WANO Statement 3 on the Situation in Ukraine

Consistent with WANO’s mission of nuclear safety at all commercial nuclear power plants, we continue to very closely monitor the evolving situation at nuclear facilities in Ukraine. We are implementing additional means to communicate more frequently and directly with WANO members worldwide, with confirmed information concerning the nuclear safety status at the facilities.

We strongly support IAEA’s statements and ongoing efforts to implement quickly a safety framework with all parties that protects plant, public, and worker safety at all Ukrainian nuclear facilities. As an organisation that supports nuclear station operators, WANO is fully aligned with the seven IAEA safety principles listed below and requests there be no interference of any kind with the operator’s ability to safely perform their work:

1. The physical integrity of the facilities – whether it is the reactors, fuel ponds, or radioactive waste stores - must be maintained.

2. All safety and security systems and equipment must be fully functional at all times.

3. The operating staff must be able to fulfil their safety and security duties, and have the capacity to make decisions free of undue pressure.

4. There must be secure off-site power supply from the grid for all nuclear sites.

5. There must be uninterrupted logistical supply chains and transportation to and from the sites.

6. There must be effective on-site and off-site radiation monitoring systems and emergency preparedness and response measures.

7. And finally, there must be reliable communications with the regulator and others.

WANO continues to carefully monitor the situation in Ukraine, and is committed to the safety of commercial nuclear power facilities globally. For more information, please visit: International Atomic Energy Agency (iaea.org).