The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says it will boost its presence in Ukraine to help prevent a nuclear accident during Russia’s ongoing invasion of the country.
The UN’s nuclear watchdog said on January 13 that Director-General Rafael Grossi will visit Ukraine next week to implement a new policy that will ensure a permanent presence of IAEA experts at all five of Ukraine's nuclear facilities.
The new policy is "significantly stepping up the efforts of the [IAEA] to help prevent a nuclear accident during the current military conflict," the IAEA said in a news release.
Currently only the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhya plant, which is near the front line, has a permanent IAEA presence of up to four experts. Under the new plan, 11 or 12 IAEA experts will be present in Ukraine at all times to monitor its plants, including the shuttered Chernobyl site, and provide technical assistance.
“As this tragic war enters its second year, we must continue to do everything we can to avert the danger of a serious nuclear accident that would cause even more suffering and destruction for the people of Ukraine and beyond,” Grossi said.
During his visit to Ukraine, Grossi will travel to the Rivne nuclear power plant and the Chernobyl site to launch missions consisting of two IAEA experts at each of the facilities, the IAEA said.
Grossi will also meet senior Ukrainian officials as part of his efforts to set up a security protection zone around the Zaporizhzhya plant.
“I remain determined to make the much-needed protection zone a reality as soon as possible," Grossi said. "My consultations with Ukraine and Russia are making progress, albeit not as fast as they should."
Grossi also reiterated his concerns about pressure that employees of the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant (ZNPP) are facing, saying the situation is creating potential consequences for nuclear safety and security.
“The reduced ZNPP staffing levels combined with psychological stress due to the ongoing military conflict and the absence of family members who fled the area have created an unprecedented situation that no [nuclear power plant] staff should have to endure,” he said.
Employees at the Zaporizhzhya plant also continue to be urged to accept new labor contracts with the Russian state company Rosatom, the IAEA said, adding that the national Ukrainian operator Enerhoatom is urging them not to do so.
The IAEA’s monitoring team has been informed that despite all the challenges, the Zaporizhzhya plant still has adequate operational staff to maintain the safe operation of all units at the plant’s current level of functioning, the IAEA said.