“We are aware of the allegations that have been reported and are very surprised by them”, says Director Per Strand of the Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (DSA).
DSA works closely with Ukraine on a range of projects to support their work to enhance nuclear safety and security, and also to support their work on emergency preparedness. These efforts are taken forward as part of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Nuclear Action Plan.
“Since the invasion it has been important to support Ukrainian nuclear power plants with technical equipment to help ensure their safe operation. Norway has also helped to replace equipment in Chernobyl, after some equipment was destroyed or stolen during the Russian occupation”, says Strand.
DSA is also providing support to the Ukrainian authorities to help them reintroduce control over the Chernobyl area following the Russian withdrawal, including supporting the development of regulations and regulatory control approaches.
In addition, DSA works with the Ukrainian border control authorities and emergency services and has provided equipment to support their ability to detect any radioactive sources that might be out of regulatory control.
“The Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority has a good relationship with our sister organization in Ukraine, SNRIU”, says Strand.
Cooperation on radiological and nuclear safety matters with Ukraine was established in the early 1990s and intensified after the Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014. Support for Ukraine has increased following the Russian invasion in February last year.