In a significant development, Ukraine and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have reached an agreement to expand the agency's monitoring activities in the country. This decision comes as Ukraine faces ongoing challenges to its energy infrastructure due to the conflict with Russia.
Oleh Korikov, Ukraine's chief nuclear inspector, announced that IAEA experts will now monitor key Ukrainian substations in addition to nuclear power plants. This expanded role aims to enhance the safety and stability of Ukraine's nuclear energy sector, which currently generates more than half of the country's electricity.
The agreement comes in response to recent Russian missile and drone attacks on substations, which have threatened the stable operation of nuclear power plants. These attacks have raised concerns about the safety of Ukraine's nuclear facilities and the reliability of its power supply.
"It was agreed that IAEA would expand its functionality, its presence in Ukraine, and that electrical substations, which are important for the safety of nuclear power plants, would also be subject to international monitoring."
The first IAEA monitoring mission to a substation is scheduled for the week of September 12, 2024. Ukrainian authorities hope that the presence of international inspectors will deter future attacks on these critical infrastructure components.
This expanded monitoring comes as Ukraine's energy infrastructure faces increased pressure. Recent attacks have forced the disconnection of several nuclear power units from the grid, posing risks to the nuclear power sector. On August 26, 2024, three out of four power units at the Rivne nuclear power plant in western Ukraine were disconnected, along with one unit at the South Ukraine nuclear power plant.
The IAEA's involvement in Ukraine has been ongoing since the start of Russia's invasion in February 2022. Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the IAEA, is currently in Ukraine and has visited the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which has been under Russian control since the early days of the conflict.
Ukraine's reliance on nuclear energy has increased significantly due to the damage inflicted on its energy infrastructure. Officials report that the country has lost approximately half of its generating capacity and now depends primarily on nuclear power. This situation underscores the critical importance of maintaining the safety and stability of Ukraine's nuclear facilities.
The IAEA's expanded role in Ukraine aligns with its mandate to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy while ensuring safety and security. The agency's safeguards system, designed to detect the diversion of nuclear material from peaceful uses, will now extend to monitoring crucial substations that support nuclear power plant operations.
As the conflict continues, the international community remains focused on preventing any nuclear incidents in Ukraine. The IAEA's increased presence and monitoring activities represent a crucial step in safeguarding Ukraine's nuclear infrastructure and ensuring the continued supply of electricity to its population.