Ukraine’s Nuclear Security Situation ‘Highly Challenging’, Warns UN Atomic Watchdog
November 7, 2024
Lviv, Ukraine – The United Nations’ atomic watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has expressed grave concerns over the nuclear security situation in Ukraine, citing the ongoing conflict and Russian military activity near Ukrainian nuclear facilities.
In a report released today, the IAEA stated that it is “deeply concerned about the nuclear security implications of the current situation in Ukraine.” The report highlights that Russian forces have occupied or taken control of several Ukrainian nuclear sites, including the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, the largest nuclear power plant in Europe.
“The situation is highly challenging,” said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. “The presence of Russian military personnel and equipment at nuclear facilities increases the risk of nuclear accidents.”
The IAEA report also calls attention to the potential for sabotage or malicious acts at Ukrainian nuclear facilities. The agency noted that there have been “a number of incidents of damage to nuclear infrastructure” in Ukraine since the beginning of the conflict.
“We urge all parties to exercise utmost restraint and to refrain from any actions that could jeopardize the safety and security of Ukraine’s nuclear facilities,” said Grossi. “Any damage to these facilities could have catastrophic consequences for the people of Ukraine and beyond.”
The IAEA report also recommends a number of steps to improve the nuclear security situation in Ukraine, including:
- The establishment of a nuclear safety zone around Ukrainian nuclear facilities
- The withdrawal of all Russian military forces from Ukrainian nuclear sites
- The provision of international assistance to Ukraine to strengthen its nuclear security capabilities
“The IAEA is committed to supporting Ukraine in ensuring the safety and security of its nuclear facilities,” said Grossi. “We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide assistance as needed.”
The IAEA report comes as international concern grows over the nuclear security risks posed by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Several countries have called on Russia to withdraw its forces from Ukrainian nuclear facilities and to allow the IAEA to conduct safety inspections.
“The world cannot afford a nuclear disaster in Ukraine,” said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. “We urge Russia to take immediate action to mitigate the nuclear security risks posed by its military activities.”
The Russian government has not yet commented on the IAEA report. However, Russia has previously denied that its military activities pose a threat to nuclear safety in Ukraine.
The nuclear security situation in Ukraine remains fluid and highly concerning. The IAEA’s report serves as a stark reminder of the potential for a nuclear catastrophe in Europe and the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict and prevent further nuclear dangers.
Ukraine’s nuclear security situation ‘highly challenging’, warns UN atomic watchdog
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