War in Ukraine

Russia's reckless actions following its' unilateral, illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine, especially in and around Ukrainian nuclear facilities, disregards internationally agreed safeguards and threatens global safety and security. The IAEA must be able visit and provide assistance to all nuclear facilities in Ukraine. To enable this to happen, Russia should immediately return control of all Ukrainian nuclear facilities to Ukrainian authorities.

Australia has had a nuclear cooperation agreement with Ukraine since 2017 with Australian uranium used in nuclear fuel supplied by Sweden to Ukrainian reactors. However Ukraine declared martial law on 24 February 2022 and concurrently suspended all transfers of nuclear material. ASNO continues to closely monitor the circumstances surrounding existing AONM in Ukraine and remains engaged with likeminded countries regarding nuclear security and safeguards in Ukraine. There are no indications that any nuclear material, including AONM, has been diverted.

The invasion of Ukraine has reinforced the need for the IAEA to be able to fulfil its technical mandate in the global nuclear system. The regular provision of verified information on the situation in Ukraine from DG Grossi and the IAEA has been appreciated around the world. Among other support, Australia has provided AUD 686,000 as well as critical radiation detection and protection equipment through the IAEA to help ensure the safe and secure operation of Ukraine's nuclear facilities. ASNO will continue to work constructively with the IAEA and likeminded countries as the situation in Ukraine evolves.

IAEA inspectors conduct a radiological survey of the land around the Chornobyl Nuclear Facility after Russia de-occupied the area. (Image courtesy of IAEA Flickr account)