(2022-03-02) Director General's Statement to IAEA Board of Governors on Situation in Ukraine

Summary

The transcript discusses the severe implications of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine on nuclear safety and security, highlighting the risks posed to critical nuclear facilities, including Chernobyl and Ukraine's nuclear power plants. The IAEA’s continuous monitoring efforts are stressed, with a focus on preventing accidents that could lead to devastating human and environmental consequences. The speaker urges international cooperation, emphasizing adherence to international law protecting nuclear facilities. The best solution for ensuring safety is a peaceful resolution to the conflict, halting the threat to nuclear sites and their personnel.

Takeaways

• 😀 The ongoing conflict in Ukraine, initiated by Russia on February 24, has raised significant concerns about nuclear safety, security, and safeguards due to the presence of nuclear facilities in the country.
• 😀 The conflict marks the first time a military operation is taking place amidst a large established nuclear power program, including the site of the 1986 Chernobyl accident.
• 😀 The safety and security of nuclear facilities and radioactive material in Ukraine must be ensured at all costs to avoid severe consequences that could harm both human life and the environment.
• 😀 The IAEA has been monitoring the safety of Ukraine's nuclear facilities through its Incident and Emergency Center, with regular updates provided on their status.
• 😀 Despite the war, Ukraine’s nuclear power plants are still operating, but the circumstances under which they are functioning are far from normal.
• 😀 Russian forces have taken control of Ukraine’s largest nuclear power plant, Zaporizhzhia, and other nuclear facilities, raising concerns about their safety and the wellbeing of staff working there.
• 😀 At the Chernobyl site, although increased radiation levels were briefly detected due to military activity, the radiation remained at low levels, posing no immediate danger to the public.
• 😀 The IAEA has received a request for immediate assistance from Ukraine's nuclear regulator regarding the safety of Chernobyl and other facilities, prompting ongoing consultations to address the situation.
• 😀 Recent missile strikes in Ukraine, including one targeting a radioactive waste disposal facility in Kyiv, highlight the risk of damage to facilities containing radioactive materials, which could have severe consequences.
• 😀 The IAEA stresses the importance of upholding international law and reaffirming the commitment to prevent armed attacks on nuclear facilities, emphasizing that such attacks violate both UN and international legal principles.
• 😀 The IAEA continues its safeguards activities in Ukraine, ensuring that the country’s nuclear operations remain compliant with international standards despite the ongoing conflict.

Q & A

What is the primary concern highlighted in the transcript regarding nuclear facilities in Ukraine?

The primary concern is the safety and security of Ukraine's nuclear facilities amid the ongoing military conflict, especially given the involvement of nuclear power plants and the potential risks posed by armed actions around these facilities.

What is the significance of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in the context of the conflict?

Chernobyl is significant due to its historical importance, having been the site of the 1986 nuclear accident. The safety of the facility is a key concern, especially since Russian forces have taken control of it, and the staff there must continue their work without interference or risk to their safety.

How has the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) been involved in monitoring the situation?

The IAEA has been actively monitoring the safety and security of Ukraine's nuclear facilities, publishing regular updates and assessing potential threats. It has been in communication with the Ukrainian nuclear regulatory body to ensure the safe operation of facilities during the conflict.

What role does the Ukrainian nuclear regulator play in this context?

The Ukrainian nuclear regulator, the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine (SNRIU), is responsible for providing updates on the safety and security of nuclear facilities. They work closely with the IAEA to ensure the continued safe operation of these facilities, even amidst the conflict.

What specific challenges are mentioned regarding the operation of nuclear facilities during the conflict?

The main challenges include ensuring that nuclear facilities continue to operate safely amidst the conflict, preventing disruptions to staff and operations, maintaining safety systems, and securing off-site power supplies and logistical support.

What was the situation at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant mentioned in the transcript?

The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Ukraine's largest, has come under Russian control. It is crucial that military activities around this facility do not interrupt or endanger its operations, as it houses six of the country's nuclear reactors.

What safety concerns were raised regarding radioactive waste disposal facilities?

There were concerns about the safety of radioactive waste disposal facilities in Ukraine, as these sites were targeted by missile strikes. However, no radioactive release was reported, but the incidents highlight the risk of such facilities being damaged during the conflict.

Why is it important for staff at nuclear facilities to work without undue pressure?

It is critical for staff to be able to carry out their duties without undue pressure so they can make the necessary decisions regarding safety and security. External pressure could jeopardize the operation of safety systems, which could have severe consequences.

What international legal commitments are referenced in the transcript?

The transcript references the commitment of all states to uphold international law and ensure the protection of nuclear facilities. The IAEA's 2009 decision reaffirmed that any armed attack or threat against nuclear facilities devoted to peaceful purposes constitutes a violation of the United Nations Charter and international law.

What is the ultimate call to action made by the speaker at the end of the transcript?

The speaker's ultimate call to action is for the armed conflict to end, emphasizing that the best way to ensure the safety and security of Ukraine's nuclear facilities and its people is to cease the ongoing military operations.