Nuclear Safety, Security and Safeguards in Ukraine
In 2023, the Agency continued monitoring the nuclear safety and security situation in Ukraine and reporting regularly on it publicly, and continued delivering technical support and assistance to Ukraine — both in-person technical assistance and delivery of equipment.
The Agency maintained an uninterrupted presence of its staff at nuclear sites in Ukraine (Zaporizhzhya, Khmelnytskyy, Rivne and South Ukraine NPPs and the Chornobyl NPP site) and continued to use the Seven Pillars developed in 2022 to tailor an independent and impartial assessment of the nuclear safety and security situation in Ukraine. These efforts were aimed at helping to prevent a nuclear accident and ensure continued nuclear safety and security amid the armed conflict.
In addition, at the UN Security Council meeting on 30 May 2023, the Director General established five concrete principles for protecting nuclear safety and security at Zaporizhzhya NPP (see figure below).
UN Security Council: The IAEA Five Principles to Avoid a Nuclear Accident
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi made a statement to the UN Security Council’s 9334th meeting on the Agency’s activities. His focus was on nuclear safety, security, and safeguards in Ukraine and he established the IAEA Five Principles to Avoid a Nuclear Accident. (Video: United Nations Audiovisual Library)
The Agency expanded the scope of its programme for assistance to encompass medical assistance for operating personnel at NPPs and assistance to the Kherson Oblast.
The Agency implemented safeguards for Ukraine throughout the year, including in-field verification activities, in accordance with Ukraine’s comprehensive safeguards agreement and additional protocol. On the basis of its evaluation of all safeguards relevant information available, the Agency did not find any indication giving rise to a proliferation concern.
- There should be no attack of any kind from or against the plant, in particular targeting the reactors, spent fuel storage, other critical infrastructure, or personnel.
- The plant should not be used as storage or a base for heavy weapons (i.e. multiple rocket launchers, artillery systems and munitions, and tanks) or military personnel that could be used for an attack from the plant.
- Off-site power to the plant should not be put at risk.To that effect, all efforts should be made to ensure that off-site power remains available and secure at all times.
- All structures, systems and components essential to the safe and secure operation of the ZNPP should be protected from attacks or acts of sabotage.
- No action should be taken that undermines these principles.
Highlights in 2023
- Five public reports;
- Over 60 online updates;
- Deployment of 86 missions comprising 187 staff to Ukraine, including a permanent presence at all five nuclear sites;
- Over €7.5 million worth of equipment delivered;
- Medical needs assessment for operating staff at NPPs and initiation of a mental health programme; and
- Fact-finding mission to assist Ukraine in relation to the safety and security of radioactive sources.