Ukraine Nuclear Safety Risks Discussed by International Atomic Energy Agency

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has convened a special session to address concerns about Russian attacks on Ukraine’s electrical substations. The meeting, held in Vienna, aims to increase pressure on Russia regarding its actions.

A weeks-long inspection of 10 electrical substations was conducted by an IAEA expert mission, which identified these facilities as crucial to nuclear safety. Nuclear power plants rely on uninterrupted external power from electrical substations to maintain reactor cooling systems.

Ukraine has four operational nuclear power plants, with three under Kyiv’s control and one occupied by Russian forces in Zaporizhzhia since 2022. The plant’s six reactors have been shut down due to the occupation, but it still requires electricity for its cooling and security systems.

Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of risking a nuclear catastrophe by attacking the Zaporizhzhia site. Earlier this month, Russia and Ukraine paused hostilities to allow repairs on the last remaining backup power line supplying the plant, which was damaged in January.

The IAEA meeting was called at the request of the Netherlands, with support from at least 11 other countries. Russian Ambassador Mikhail Ulyanov described the gathering as “absolutely politically motivated,” while Ukrainian Ambassador Yuriy Vitrenko emphasized the need for increased attention to nuclear safety and security in Europe.

United States President Donald Trump stated that Russia had agreed to a week-long moratorium on attacks targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, which was confirmed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov later suggested that the pause would end on Sunday.

Source: Al Jazeera