IAEA to Monitor Ukrainian Substations Amid Ongoing Conflict

Ukraine and the U.N.'s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have agreed to monitor key Ukrainian substations to ensure the stable operation of nuclear plants amidst Russian missile and drone attacks. IAEA experts will expand their monitoring to these substations, with the first visit scheduled for next week.

The U.N.'s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reached an agreement with Ukraine to monitor crucial substations in addition to existing nuclear plants, according to Ukraine's chief nuclear inspector. This move aims to secure the stable operation of the country's nuclear power facilities amidst escalated attacks.

Oleh Korikov, Ukraine's top nuclear inspector, relayed during a televised briefing that over half of Ukraine's electricity is derived from three nuclear power plants. However, the ongoing Russian missile and drone strikes on these essential substations pose significant risks to their stability. 'It was agreed that IAEA would expand its functionality, its presence in Ukraine, and that electrical substations, which are important for the safety of nuclear power plants, would also be subject to international monitoring,' Korikov stated.

The monitoring mission's initial visit to a substation is due next week, with the hope that the presence of IAEA inspectors might deter further attacks. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi is currently in Ukraine, touring the Zaporizhzhia plant, which has been a contentious site between Moscow and Kyiv.