The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says high-level discussions are under way in Ukraine to help avert the risk of a radioactive accident at one of the country’s nuclear power plants.
IAEA, in a statement on Tuesday, said that its Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, is in Ukraine for talks with senior government officials on the IAEA’s planned delivery of urgent technical assistance.
The UN nuclear watchdog stated that the director-general would discuss planned delivery technical assistance with the Ukraine officials to ensure the safety and security of the country’s nuclear facilities.
“The military conflict is putting Ukraine’s nuclear power plants and other facilities with radioactive material in unprecedented danger,” Grossi said.
“We must take urgent action to make sure that they can continue to operate safely and securely and reduce the risk of a nuclear accident that could have a severe health and environmental impact both in Ukraine and beyond.”
The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, spoke on Monday to Grossi ahead of his mission to Ukraine, via in a statement issued on Tuesday.
The UN chief reiterated his “strong support” for all the IAEA’s efforts, calling for “safe and unfettered access to all nuclear facilities”, for the agency’s staff.
The Chernobyl plant, was taken over by invading Russian forces last month.
“Their important work should not be interfered with”, said the statement, issued by his Spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric.
“An accident at a nuclear power plant would be a health and environmental catastrophe. All efforts must be taken to avoid this disastrous outcome.”
Grossi has warned repeatedly about the deteriorating safety and security situation of Ukraine’s nuclear facilities since Russia’s invasion of its neighbour.
In particular, the IAEA chief urged caution after Russian forces took control of the stricken Chernobyl site on Feb. 24, with a second plant – Zaporizhzhya – coming under Russian control about a week later.
READ ALSO: Passengers Shot As Gunmen Enforce IPOB’s Sit-At-Home Order In Enugu
He stressed the IAEA’s commitment and readiness to help ensure that indispensable safety and security protocols are adhered to.
In recent weeks, several of these “pillars” – including the physical integrity of facilities, the ability of operational staff to work without undue pressure, and the access to off-site power – have been seriously compromised, the agency said.
The IAEA insisted that it had drawn up detailed plans to provide assistance to Ukraine’s nuclear sites, which include 15 nuclear power reactors at four plants, as well as Chernobyl, where radioactive waste management facilities are located, following the 1986 accident.
Among its proposals, IAEA intends to send experts to “prioritised facilities”, along with monitoring and emergency equipment.
“Ukraine has requested our assistance for safety and security. We will now start delivering it,” Grossi said.
“Ukraine has one of Europe’s largest nuclear power programmes. The IAEA’s presence, where needed to ensure safety and security, is of paramount importance. We are ready to provide the necessary support now.” (NAN)
