IAEA plans physical checks of nuclear facilities in Ukraine, but later – Grossi
The IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) has planned physical inspections of nuclear facilities in Ukraine, but not at the moment, the head of the agency, Rafael Grossi, said at a press conference (its entry is published on the agency's website).
"We have remote monitoring equipment that functions normally," the head of the IAEA said. "We have also scheduled physical inspections," he added, explaining that an inspection of the agency's specialists is not scheduled at the moment.
Asked about an earlier request from the Ukrainian nuclear regulator for immediate support, Grossi said that in the current circumstances, providing assistance is "a non-linear and complex process." He recalled that active consultations on this issue are currently ongoing. Answering a clarifying question whether this assistance means sending specialists to Ukraine, Grossi said that this could be one of the measures.
Regarding engagement with Russia, Grossi noted that Russia does not explain its motives to the IAEA.
"They provide information about the location of theirforces when it comes to nuclear facilities," Grossi said.
According to him, the IAEA is now communicating with both parties with a request to provide rest to the station workers in order to avoid the human factor. The head of the agency stressed that this is not only of humanitarian but also of technical importance.
Grossi also told reporters that the IAEA is offering its personal mediation between Russia and Ukraine at the Chornobyl nuclear power plant site to ensure the safety of nuclear facilities in the country, Bloomberg reported.
"The best thing that can be done to ensure the safety and protection of Ukrainian nuclear power facilities and their workers is to end hostilities now," Grossi said earlier in a statement.