Ukraine: UN aid arrives in Soledar region as IAEA strengthens safety measures at nuclear sites
Jens Laerke from the UN aid coordination office, OCHAsaid three trucks had been allowed access to areas controlled by the Ukrainian government, just a few kilometers from the heavily contested city in the Donbas region, which has been a fierce battleground, as Russian forces sought to find a way. entered the strategically important town of Bakhmut.
He told journalists at Friday’s briefing in Geneva that the convoy included food, water, hygiene kits, medicines and other medical suppliesprovided by United Nations agencies.
“It was intended for the 800 people who remained in this area,” he said, “which has seen widespread hostility and destruction. Therefore, people are in dire need of help thereso we’re happy that this convoy has actually arrived (its destination).”
More convoys are expected in the coming days and OCHA Spokesperson Laerke said the UN and partners are working to intensify interagency relief operations to areas near the front lines in Ukraine. where there is an urgent need.
IAEA ‘expands and strengthens’ nuclear safety efforts
On another important front and source of international concern about the war over Ukraine, the head of the United Nations-backed International Atomic Energy Agency (UNAFP)IAEA), Rafael Grossi, briefed President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on Thursday, on the “enlargement and strengthening activities of this agency…help Ukraine ensure nuclear safety and security at its nuclear facilities”.
He told Ukraine’s leadership that several permanent IAEA expert missions have been established across the country this week, according to a press release issued on Friday.
They also continued discussions to establish a nuclear safety and security protection zone around the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), Europe’s largest, which has been repeatedly burned in recent days. recent months, raising serious concerns about nuclear safety and security.
Mr. Grossi emphasized that the area is necessary to prevent a serious nuclear accident and said that he will keep working hard to make it happen.
“Everybody agrees that the plant – located on the front lines in an active combat zone – needs protection, but these are very complicated negotiations. I won’t stop until the much-needed area becomes a reality. I will continue in-depth consultations with both Ukraine and the Russian Federation in the coming days and weeks,” he said.
Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant in Ukraine.
‘Daily dangers’ in Zaporizhzhya
“This large nuclear power plant continues to face dangers every day. Our team there continued to hear explosions near the site, including two on Thursday,” he added.
“Across Ukraine – from north to south – this week has seen a great expansion in the IAEA’s on-site support for the country’s efforts to prevent a serious nuclear accident during war. At Ukraine’s request, the IAEA flag is currently flying at these important nuclear facilities.
“For the first time, we will have top experts permanently at all Ukraine’s nuclear power plants as well as the Chornobyl site. Their important work will help reduce the real nuclear dangers facing the country,” said Director General Grossi.
Over the next few days, a team of IAEA experts will also be stationed at the Khmelnitsky plant, west of Kyiv.
IAEA, ‘here to stay’
With IAEA teams permanently present at all Ukrainian NPPs and the Chornobyl site, the Agency will have at least 11 nuclear safety and security experts concurrently in the country, an unprecedented commitment by organization.
“We are determined to do everything in my power to minimize risk of a nuclear disaster in this tragic war,” said the head of the IAEA. “This week is an important step forward in our efforts on this issue. But the work is far from over. The IAEA will be here to sustain us for as long as we need it.”
