Russian nuclear corporation Rosatom has expressed concerns over the rising risks to nuclear safety due to the Ukrainian military’s incursion into the Kursk region and the recent drone and rocket attacks on the Smolensk nuclear power plant.
Rosatom’s chief, Alexei Lichatschjow, stated that the risks of attacks by Ukrainian forces have increased, citing the number of drones and rockets intercepted and the artillery shelling near the Saporoschje nuclear power plant. He also mentioned the psychological pressure on the plant’s personnel, including threats and terrorist attacks, as a breach of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) safety principles.
Lichatschjow emphasized the expansion of risks in recent months and weeks, including the Ukrainian military’s incursion into the Kursk region and the corresponding risks to the Kursk nuclear power plant. He noted that dozens of drones and rockets have been intercepted, targeting the Smolensk nuclear power plant and that this has increased the risks to nuclear safety, requiring corresponding measures and an IAEA response.
Moscow has informed the IAEA of the current situation and values the organization’s involvement in ensuring nuclear safety. The IAEA is expected to send a mission of experts to the Saporoschje nuclear power plant soon, according to Lichatschjow.
The situation at the contact line is not simple and the threat is growing, Lichatschjow said, adding that as the conflict develops and the stakes increase, the importance of transparent and objective information on nuclear risks and measures to prevent them will grow.