IAEA calls on Russia to ‘immediately cease actions’ at Ukraine nuclear sites

Vienna: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Thursday has passed a resolution calling on Russia to ‘immediately cease actions’ at Ukraine nuclear sites.

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The resolution at the board of the governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) also “deplores the Russian Federation’s actions in Ukraine, including forcefully seizing control of nuclear facilities and other violent actions,” according to sources.

Last month, the IAEA said Ukraine has four nuclear power sites with a total of 15 reactors. It further informed that sites provides around half of the Ukraine’s electricity.

Expressing concern over the situation in Ukraine, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi on Saturday called on all parties to refrain from any measures or actions that could jeopardise the security of nuclear material, and the safe operation of all nuclear facilities.

Grossi further said any such incident could have severe consequences for human health and the environment.

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On Tuesday, IAEA informed that it was preparing a draft resolution for the meeting of the UN nuclear watchdog’s board condemns Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The draft “expresses grave concern” at Russia’s actions, “significantly raising the risk of a nuclear accident or incident, which endangers the population of Ukraine, neighbouring states and the international community”.

It also asked Russia to cease its actions at Chernobyl and elsewhere “in order for the competent Ukrainian authorities to preserve or promptly regain full control over all nuclear facilities…and ensure their safe and secure operations, and in order for the Agency to fully resume its safeguards verification activities”.