IAEA expresses concerns over Ukraine’s nuclear facilities
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) expressed its fear of the leakage of nuclear radiation due to military operations, adding that “the military conflict in a country that has nuclear facilities is worrying.” It noted that it “remotely monitors the safety of nuclear facilities in Ukraine.”
The statement said that the attack on Ukraine “affects nuclear security”, due to the possible access to nuclear materials and facilities.
The agency indicated that it had received a request from Ukraine to protect the Chernobyl nuclear facility, and said, “We are talking with Russia and Ukraine about securing nuclear facilities.”
Meanwhile , EU expressed, on Wednesday, its “grave concern” about what it described as nuclear threats, security and safety risks, and possible damage to any nuclear facility in Ukraine after the Russian military operation in its territory.
The EU mission in Vienna called on the International Atomic Energy Agency to “remain in close contact with the Ukrainian authorities to inquire on the repercussions of the activities of the Russian forces in and around the Chernobyl nuclear plant.”
The Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency of Ukraine announced that higher than normal levels of gamma radiation were detected in the area near the Chernobyl nuclear plant after it was taken over by the Russian army.
The State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine said that higher levels of gamma radiation were detected in the Chernobyl region, but did not provide details of the amount of this increase.
Ukraine’s ambassador to Japan, Sergei Korsunsky, warned that Europe was vulnerable to nuclear contamination if the Russians destroyed the Chernobyl reactor.