IAEA delivers new radiation detection equipment to Ukraine

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has delivered two new shipments of radiation detection and monitoring equipment to Ukraine, bringing the total number of such deliveries to 142 since the outbreak of the full-scale war, the Agency announced on June 26.

The latest equipment was provided to the State Enterprise Ukrainian Geological Company as part of the IAEA Support and Assistance Mission to the Kherson Oblast (ISAMKO). This initiative responds to heightened nuclear and environmental risks, particularly those caused by the 2023 destruction of the Kakhovka dam, which led to widespread flooding and disrupted water supplies critical for nuclear safety, Caliber.Az writes, citing the agency’s statement.

The deliveries were funded by Japan and are intended to strengthen Ukraine’s capacity to monitor radiation levels in areas affected by the conflict, including regions near the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP).

Meanwhile, the ZNPP continues to face severe nuclear safety challenges. The plant remains reliant on a single 750 kV off-site power line to cool its six reactors and spent fuel, seven weeks after military activity disconnected its only backup line. Before the war, the facility had access to ten off-site power lines.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi reiterated concerns over the "extremely fragile external power situation" at the ZNPP, as well as ongoing issues related to cooling water availability following the dam’s destruction.

"Many important issues must be addressed before it will be feasible to restart the plant,” Grossi said.

All six reactors at the ZNPP remain in cold shutdown but still require constant cooling. The IAEA team stationed at the site continues to hear near-daily explosions in the vicinity, underscoring the plant’s close proximity to active combat zones.

The IAEA also reported that its teams at Ukraine’s other nuclear facilities – Khmelnytskyy, Rivne, and South Ukraine NPPs, as well as the Chornobyl site – have recently heard air-raid alarms. A drone was also spotted near the IAEA team’s hotel at the South Ukraine plant on June 21.

The Agency said it remains committed to supporting Ukraine’s nuclear safety and security through on-site presence, assessments, and continued equipment deliveries.

By Sabina Mammadli