Ukraine’s Nuclear Security Situation ‘Highly Challenging’, Warns UN Atomic Watchdog
November 7, 2024
The United Nations’ nuclear watchdog has expressed deep concern over the “highly challenging” nuclear security situation in Ukraine, following the ongoing conflict with Russia.
In a statement issued on Monday, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said that it has been monitoring the situation at Ukraine’s nuclear power plants and other nuclear facilities closely since the start of the war. The agency has raised concerns about the physical safety of the facilities, the security of nuclear materials, and the well-being of the staff operating them.
“The IAEA is deeply concerned about the current situation in Ukraine, which poses great challenges to nuclear safety and security,” said IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi. “The ongoing conflict has already led to damage to nuclear facilities and increased risks associated with the operation of these facilities.”
The IAEA has identified several key risks to nuclear security in Ukraine:
- Physical damage to nuclear facilities: The conflict has resulted in damage to several nuclear power plants and other nuclear facilities. In March 2023, Russian forces shelled the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe’s largest, causing damage to several buildings and equipment.
- Security of nuclear materials: The IAEA is concerned about the security of nuclear materials in Ukraine, including the highly enriched uranium used in some of the country’s nuclear reactors. In the event of a worst-case scenario, such as a conflict-related accident or attack, the release of radioactive material could have catastrophic consequences.
- Well-being of staff: The IAEA is also concerned about the well-being of the staff operating Ukraine’s nuclear facilities. The conflict has put a significant strain on the staff, who are working under difficult and dangerous conditions.
The IAEA has called on all parties to the conflict to take steps to ensure the safety and security of Ukraine’s nuclear facilities. The agency has offered to provide technical assistance to Ukraine to help improve nuclear safety and security.
“The IAEA is committed to working with Ukraine to ensure the safety and security of its nuclear facilities,” Grossi said. “We urge all parties to the conflict to take the necessary steps to prevent a nuclear accident or radiological release.”
The IAEA’s statement comes as the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate. The war has raised fears of a nuclear confrontation between Russia and NATO, and the possibility of a nuclear accident or attack has become increasingly real.
The IAEA’s warning highlights the urgent need for international action to address the nuclear security risks associated with the conflict in Ukraine. The agency’s statement is a reminder that the risks of a nuclear accident or attack are real and must be taken seriously by all parties involved.
Ukraine’s nuclear security situation ‘highly challenging’, warns UN atomic watchdog
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