IAEA Chief Visits Ukraine Amid Nuclear Safety Concerns
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi meets Ukrainian officials before visiting the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. The visit aims to prevent nuclear accidents during the ongoing conflict.
Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has embarked on a crucial mission to Ukraine, focusing on nuclear safety amidst the ongoing conflict. This visit, occurring 2 years and 7 months after Russia's invasion, underscores the persistent concerns surrounding nuclear facilities in the region.
On September 3, 2024, Grossi met with key Ukrainian energy officials, including Energy Minister German Galushchenko, Energoatom head Petro Kotin, and acting head of Ukraine's State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate, Oleh Korikov. These discussions centered on the IAEA's commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Ukraine's nuclear sites.
The IAEA, founded in 1957, plays a vital role in promoting peaceful nuclear energy use while inhibiting its military applications. Ukraine, an IAEA member since its inception, relies heavily on nuclear power, with 15 reactors generating approximately half of its electricity.
Grossi's itinerary includes a visit to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), Europe's largest, currently under Russian occupation. The ZNPP, with its six VVER-1000 pressurized water reactors, has been a focal point of safety concerns since the conflict began.
"It is safer for Ukraine to control the Zaporizhzhia plant, but so far, from the point of view of the battlefield, I do not see such possibilities, and those that probably exist, they are dangerous."
This statement highlights the complex situation surrounding the plant's control and the potential risks involved in any attempts to reclaim it.
Recent reports indicate power supply issues at the ZNPP, with a high-voltage line automatically disconnecting. Such incidents underscore the critical nature of maintaining multiple backup power systems, a standard safety feature in nuclear facilities.
The IAEA's mission extends beyond the ZNPP. Just a week prior, Grossi visited the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant in Russia, expressing concerns about its vulnerability due to the lack of a protective dome. This visit to Kursk, located about 40 km west of the city of Kursk, came amidst reports of nearby military activities.
As tensions persist, both Russia and Ukraine have exchanged accusations regarding nuclear safety. Ukraine's foreign ministry recently denounced what it termed a Russian disinformation campaign, emphasizing the need for factual reporting on nuclear safety issues.
The ongoing situation at the ZNPP and other nuclear facilities in the region continues to be a matter of international concern. The IAEA's regular inspections and Grossi's diplomatic efforts aim to mitigate risks and prevent any potential nuclear accidents in this volatile environment.
