Ukraine today (Sunday) reported to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that a number of missiles had hit a nuclear waste storage facility in the last day in Kiev. However, the director general of the Atomic Organization noted in an official statement that Indication of a radioactive leak. "
The Russian invasion of Ukraine raises concerns about a nuclear incident amid the ongoing fighting situation and given the number of sensitive facilities in the country.
Referring to the dire situation, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi noted that "these incidents highlight the very real risk that facilities with radioactive material will suffer damage during the conflict, with serious consequences for human and environmental health," he said.
"Again, I urge all parties to refrain from any military or other action that could threaten the safety and security of these facilities," he added.
UPDATE 3: #Ukraine informs IAEA that missiles caused no damage to Kiev radioactive waste facility;
IAEA chief @RafaelMGrossi urgently appeals to parties to refrain from military or other action that could threaten safety and security of nuclear facilities.
https://t.co/Q4FUtB5fft pic.twitter.com/W3xm0nWCFC
- IAEA - International Atomic Energy Agency (@iaeaorg) February 27, 2022
As mentioned, the incident took place during the night of Saturday after another air strike by Russia, which forced the inspectors of the Ukrainian Nuclear Control Agency who worked at the site (SNRIU) to take shelter until the morning hours.
Only then, have the experts been able to restore the status quo ante and now await the results of the radiation levels in place.
"While these sites do not contain high-level radioactive waste, the stored radioactive waste can still cause a serious radioactive impact event, underscoring the need to protect them," the official statement said on Sunday.
As you may recall, Ukraine's Nuclear Agency, which until Thursday was in charge of overseeing the Chernobyl region, announced today Friday that it has identified "abnormal levels of gamma radiation in the area".
The IAEA said that radiation levels at Chernobyl remained low and that "there is no danger to the public."
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