In reaction to the International Atomic Energy Authority (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi’s press conference earlier today, a Nuclear Industry Association spokesperson said:

“We strongly endorse Director General Grossi’s proposal to travel himself to the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone to negotiate with the Ukrainians and the Russians on a framework to uphold the principles of nuclear safety and protection of nuclear installations. It is imperative that these principles are upheld, and that the lives, health and wellbeing of the nuclear workers on site are protected as a priority. Once again, we commend their courage and resilience, and condemn the Russian attacks that have put them in such danger.

“The seven principles set out are:

  1. The physical integrity of the facilities – whether it is the reactors, fuel ponds, or radioactive waste stores – must be maintained
  2. All safety and security systems and equipment must be fully functional at all times
  3. The operating staff must be able to fulfil their safety and security duties, and have the capacity to make decisions free of undue pressure
  4. There must be secure off-site power supply from the grid for all nuclear sites
  5. There must be uninterrupted logistical supply chains and transportation to and from the sites
  6. There must be effective on-site and off-site radiation monitoring systems and emergency preparedness and response measures
  7. And finally, there must be reliable communications with the regulator and others.

“The Director General also set out the facts of the events at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant overnight:

  • A Russian projectile hit a training building
  • The training building was not a reactor building
  • “The integrity of the reactors was not compromised”
  • “All the safety systems of the six reactors were not affected at all. There has been no release of radioactive material.”
  • Radiation monitoring systems are fully functional as well
  • Ukrainian staff continue to operate Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, but Russian military forces are in control of the site.”

-ENDS-

Notes to editors

About the Nuclear Industry Association
As the trade association for the civil nuclear industry in the UK, the Nuclear Industry Association represents more than 200 companies across the UK’s nuclear supply chain.

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