The 54th monitoring mission of experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency began its work at the South Ukraine NPP.
Traditionally, during the final meeting, an official referral of powers took place between the IAEA rotation teams. The head of the previous mission thanked the representatives of the South Ukraine NPP for the organization and information provided, noting that this was his seventh rotation, so Ukraine had become his second home: “I would like to note the personal qualities of our Ukrainian colleagues, their warmth and hospitality. Even in the frosty winter, we did not feel the cold.” He also noted that he had not seen any significant issues regarding the nuclear and physical protection of the SUNPP.
For three weeks, the new IAEA team will monitor nuclear and radiation safety at the SUNPP in the context of russia's armed aggression, inspect equipment, and engage in dialogue with the plant's personnel. The head of the team, who is participating in the IAEA monitoring mission for the fourth time, assured that international experts would do everything possible to comply with the seven pillars of nuclear safety – fundamental principles formulated by the IAEA to ensure the safety of nuclear power plants and other nuclear facilities in conditions of armed conflict.
Deputy Director General for Quality and Management Victor Savorona suggested that the presence of an international mission at the nuclear power plant could likely be a deterrent for the enemy in terms of more decisive actions against Ukrainian nuclear facilities: “Of course, enemy drones and missiles fly at a certain distance from the NPPs, but all such cases are promptly reported to the IAEA, and the agency publishes the information immediately on its official resources.”
