On January 17, 20223, the IAEA permanent monitoring mission started its work at the Rivne NPP. The similar mission of the Agency at the Chornobyl NPP started a day later, on January 18, 20223.

The start of the missions was announced by the raising of the IAEA flag at the industrial sites of both nuclear power plants, as it was also followed by meetings with the participation of IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, Acting SNRIU Chairman – Chief State Inspector for Nuclear and Radiation Safety of Ukraine Oleh Korikov, and management of nuclear power plants.

According to Rafael Grossi, the expansion of the IAEA permanent presence in Ukraine was carried to provide assistance and prevent possible threats to nuclear and radiation safety caused by military actions.

“Our experts will be on-site at all Ukrainian NPPs to provide vital nuclear safety and security assistance in these extremely difficult and challenging times,” said the IAEA Director General.

Acting SNRIU Chairman Oleh Korikov stressed that Ukraine has been and remains a conscientious participant of all international agreements and treaties in the area of nuclear energy use over the years of independence. Today, it remains absolutely transparent to international partners.

“Today, russia is actually devaluing the authority of the IAEA and continues refusing to comply with the Resolutions of the Agency’s Board of Governors adopted last year, which call on Russia to abandon all actions against Ukrainian’s nuclear facilities and to liberate its territory. It’s necessary to work out mechanisms for the complete breakdown of cooperation with russia in the area of nuclear energy use and mechanisms for limiting russia’s rights in the IAEA. Only a clear and consistent position of civilized countries, sanctions and their economic consequences for the aggressor country will be able to impact the situation,” said Oleh Korikov.

He added that the introduction of permanent IAEA missions at Ukrainian NPP sites is important for monitoring the influence of the war that Russia is engaged on peaceful nuclear facilities.

It should be reminded that the IAEA permanent monitoring missions will operate at all currently functioning Ukrainian NPPs, as well as at the Chornobyl NPP, which is now at the stage of decommissioning.