Given the serious situation, I am personally leading the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) mission to the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP) in the Russian Federation.
The safety and security of all nuclear power plants is of central and fundamental concern to the IAEA.
Since new developments and increased levels of military activity in the vicinity of the KNPP, I have been closely following developments on the ground, especially with respect to the plant. It is important that when the Agency is called upon to fulfil its mandate to ensure that nuclear is used in a peaceful manner, we are present.
It is also important that when the international community needs an independent assessment of the safety and security of a nuclear facility, we will be there. The only way in which the IAEA can validate the information is when we have an opportunity to independently assess what is happening.
I reiterate that the safety and security of nuclear facilities must, under no circumstances, be endangered. This is an evolving situation, and it is vital when I arrive at the plant tomorrow that I see first-hand the situation and discuss modalities for further activities as may be needed to evaluate the nuclear safety and security conditions of the KNPP.
It is imperative that the seven indispensable pillars of nuclear safety during an armed conflict and the five concrete principles – established to protect the Zaporizhzhya NPP but applicable to any nuclear power plant – be respected.