Kyiv-Moscow dialogue on Nuclear Safety

March 11, 2022

On 10^th March 2022, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General has said that IAEA has succeeded in establishing a high-level direct dialogue on nuclear security between Russia and Ukraine.

Establishing direct dialogue

IAEA Director-General held meetings with the foreign ministers of Russia and Ukraine in Turkey. Delegations from both countries also participated. At the meeting, both countries agreed to establish high-level direct dialogue and continue to engage with IAEA.

Status of nuclear reactors in Ukraine

According to IAEA, eight of Ukraine’s 15 nuclear reactors are still operating despite the ongoing armed conflict. Some reactors also came under the control of Russia.
On 9^th March IAEA was informed by Ukraine that the defunct Chernobyl nuclear power plant is disconnected from the electricity grid. Electricity is used for cooling spent nuclear fuel.
However, disconnection from the electricity grid will not have any critical impact on safety as the cooling is still maintained using reserve diesel generators.

About IAEA

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is an international autonomous organization established in 1957 through IAEA Statute. However, it reports to both the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
Its headquarters is located in Vienna, Austria. Its objective is to prevent the use of nuclear energy for any military purpose. However, it promotes peaceful use of nuclear energy.
IAEA provides international safeguards against misuse of nuclear technology and nuclear materials and promotes the implementation of nuclear security standards.

In the wake of the Russia-Ukraine war, IAEA urged both countries to maintain restraint and ensure the safety of nuclear establishments.

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