A nuclear research center that produces radioisotopes for medical and industrial applications in Ukraine was bombed on Monday (7), informed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The incident did not cause any increase in radiation levels at the site, according to Ukraine.
“We have already had several episodes compromising the safety of Ukraine’s nuclear facilities,” said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. Of the 15 Ukrainian reactors, eight are still operating in the country, including two in Zaporizhzhia.
This Monday’s bomber is not first. On February 27, Ukraine said missiles hit a radioactive waste disposal facility in the capital Kiev, although there was no radioactive release. The episode came the day after an electrical transformer at a similar disposal facility in Kharkiv was damaged. On March 4, Ukraine reported that the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) was hit by a projectile, which caused a small fire.
“We must act to help prevent a nuclear accident in Ukraine that could have serious consequences for public health and the environment. We cannot wait,” said Grossi, who also made himself available to help protect Ukraine’s nuclear facilities. “I am willing to travel to Chernobyl, but it can be anywhere as long as it facilitates this necessary and urgent action,” he told an IAEA Board meeting.
With information from IAEA.
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