IAEA reaffirms support for Ukraine’s nuclear safety at 40th anniversary of Chernobyl disaster

Europe-Asia, International

INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Mariano Grossi, has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to nuclear safety and security in Ukraine, as the country marked the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster.

Grossi made the remarks during a visit to Kyiv, where he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other senior officials to discuss ongoing efforts to stabilise and rebuild the country’s energy infrastructure amid the continuing conflict.

According to the IAEA chief, discussions with President Zelenskyy focused on the situation at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), as well as the agency’s sustained support for Ukraine’s energy sector, including plans for new power units at the Khmelnitsky Nuclear Power Plant and repairs to the New Safe Confinement structure at the Chernobyl site.

“The IAEA remains committed to supporting nuclear safety and security in Ukraine,” Grossi said, noting the agency’s ongoing presence and technical assistance across the country’s nuclear facilities.

Ukraine’s Prime Minister, Denys Shmyhal, also announced the signing of a memorandum of cooperation between Ukraine’s Ministry of Energy and the IAEA aimed at advancing the recovery and development of the nuclear energy sector.

The agreement provides a framework for the modernisation of nuclear power plants, restoration of critical grid infrastructure, and facilitation of new power unit construction, particularly at the Khmelnytskyi facility. It also includes support for institutional reforms at Energoatom, the state-owned nuclear energy operator.

During the visit, Grossi handed over a specialised methodology for operating nuclear power plants under wartime conditions—an initiative both sides agreed upon in 2025. The document is expected to serve as a global reference for managing nuclear facilities in conflict zones and preventing potential disasters.

In addition, the IAEA delivered two ambulances to support emergency response operations at nuclear facilities, including those in southern Ukraine and the Chernobyl zone.

Grossi also held talks with representatives of the European Commission, including Valdis Dombrovskis, focusing on reconstruction efforts at Chernobyl and broader nuclear safety initiatives.

The IAEA chief participated in the Ukraine Energy Coordination Group event titled “40 Years After Chernobyl,” alongside Ukrainian officials, where he highlighted the agency’s decades-long role in shaping global nuclear safety standards and its continued engagement in Ukraine during the ongoing war.

“From supporting recovery after the 1986 accident to maintaining a presence at all nuclear power plants in Ukraine today, the IAEA has remained committed,” Grossi said.

Commemorating the anniversary, officials reiterated the importance of sustained international cooperation to ensure nuclear safety, prevent future incidents, and support Ukraine’s long-term energy resilience.