Nuclear Safety Ukraine: UK Statement

The UK Ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Corinne Kitsell, delivered a pivotal statement at the IAEA Board of Governors meeting. Addressing the nuclear safety crisis in Ukraine, she underscored the severe implications of the ongoing conflict with Russia. Kitsell’s remarks highlighted the compromised safety at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) and called for immediate action.

UK Ambassador’s Statement

Key Points Raised by Corinne Kitsell

In her statement, Ambassador Corinne Kitsell drew attention to the latest report from the IAEA Director General, which provides a stark reminder of the escalating nuclear safety crisis at Ukraine’s ZNPP. The report indicates that all seven of the Director General’s “Seven Pillars” for ensuring nuclear safety and security during armed conflict are now fully or partially compromised at ZNPP. Kitsell emphasized that the ongoing conflict and the lack of proper control over the plant continue to erode safety standards.

• Erosion of Safety at ZNPP: Kitsell expressed concern over the continuous degradation of safety at ZNPP, noting that the plant needs to be returned to Ukrainian control to halt this dangerous trend.
• Compliance with Regulatory Orders: Despite all reactor units at ZNPP now being in cold shutdown, as ordered by the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine, the situation remains perilous. Kitsell concurred with the IAEA’s assessment that all six reactors should remain in cold shutdown to mitigate risks.

Current Nuclear Safety Situation in Ukraine

Insights from the Director General’s Report

The IAEA Director General’s report underscores several critical issues plaguing ZNPP:

• Staffing and Maintenance: There are significant challenges in maintaining adequate staffing levels and conducting routine inspections and maintenance at ZNPP.
• Logistical Supply Chains: The plant’s logistical supply chains are fragile, further compromising safety.
• Emergency Arrangements: The report highlights “major shortcomings” in emergency arrangements, which impede effective responses to potential incidents.

Challenges and Risks

Recent Incidents Impacting Nuclear Safety

The UK statement also detailed recent incidents that have jeopardized the safety of Ukraine’s nuclear facilities:

• Power Supply Vulnerabilities: Power supply interruptions due to military activity have become frequent. For instance, the 330-kilovolt backup power line to ZNPP was disconnected for 23 days in February and for two days in April.
• Drone Strikes and Artillery Fire: Reports of drone strikes and artillery fire near ZNPP in April have raised alarm, highlighting the plant’s precarious security situation.
• Other Nuclear Sites Affected: Similar incidents have affected other nuclear sites, including the South Ukraine Nuclear Power Plant and the Kharkiv Institute of Physics and Technology, underscoring the widespread impact of the conflict.

Recent Nuclear Safety Incidents in Ukraine

Call to Action

Upholding Nuclear Safety Principles

Ambassador Kitsell echoed the IAEA Director General’s call for all parties to abstain from actions that could breach the five principles for maintaining nuclear safety at ZNPP. She urged Russia to permit IAEA experts full access to all requested areas of the plant to ensure comprehensive assessments and safety measures.

In Conclusion

Support for IAEA Efforts

The UK reaffirms its commitment to supporting the IAEA and Ukrainian nuclear personnel, who continue to operate under challenging conditions. The UK’s support extends to the IAEA’s Medical Assistance program, which aids nuclear professionals needing additional resilience.

Ensuring nuclear safety in Ukraine remains a top priority, and international cooperation is vital in addressing the risks posed by the ongoing conflict.

Sources: THX News, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office & Corinne Kitsell OBE.