This agreement was reached during a meeting between IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi and US Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, Richard Verma. The discussions focused on nuclear security assistance, including plans related to the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) and efforts to address environmental damage in the Kherson region through nuclear science.
Grossi announced via social media that the IAEA, in collaboration with the US, is enhancing its support for Ukraine. This includes providing technical support for nuclear safety during the implementation of plans to acquire equipment for the Khmelnytskyi NPP from Bulgaria’s halted Belene NPP project.
Verma, in his statement, emphasized the importance of US support for the IAEA’s work in Ukraine, particularly in promoting global nuclear safety, security, and safeguards.
The IAEA also responded to Ukraine's request for assistance in dealing with the aftermath of the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam. The agency will help address issues related to human and animal health, soil and water management, and food safety, with an estimated cost of €2.7 million for the needed support.
Grossi further reassured that, following the IAEA's recommendation, the reactors at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia NPP (ZNPP) will remain in cold shutdown until safety conditions are met. He also discussed nuclear safety with Russian officials during a recent visit to Kaliningrad, describing the situation at Russia’s Kursk NPP as serious and reiterating that attacks on nuclear facilities are unacceptable.
The meeting between President Volodymyr Zelenskyi and Grossi in Kyiv on September 3 resulted in agreements to expand the mandate of IAEA observation missions at Ukrainian nuclear facilities. This aims to ensure continuous monitoring of NPPs and critical substations. The IAEA also expressed its support for Ukraine’s plans to construct new nuclear units. After his meetings, Grossi visited the Zaporizhzhia NPP to further assess the situation.
