Захищеність ядерних установок та збройні конфлікти: уроки України

• Date: 2025
• Main Authors: Bibik, T., Borzenkov, V., Ostapenko, I.
• Format: Article
• Language: Ukrainian
• Published: State Scientific and Technical Center for Nuclear and Radiation Safety 2025
• Online Access: https://nuclear-journal.com/index.php/journal/article/view/1240
• Journal Title: Nuclear and Radiation Safety

Nuclear security is a priority for any developed country. For example, the European Union strives to maintain a high level of nuclear security and works to strengthen international standards in this area. Although the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) promotes the peaceful use of nuclear technologies, offers assistance and guidance documents to strengthen nuclear security, there is currently no authority with international status that would ensure the implementation of nuclear security measures or impose penalties on those who do not comply with them, as happened in Ukraine as a result of armed aggression. The attacks by the russian military on nuclear facilities in Ukraine in 2022 were unprecedented. Since physical protection is aimed at preventing, detecting and responding to malicious or unauthorized actions by non-state actors, rather than by the armed forces of a state, international armed conflict creates new circumstances in which the physical protection regime must also be effective. In March 2022, IAEA Director General outlined “seven fundamental principles (pillars) of nuclear security” in emergencies. There are three other areas in which the international physical protection system can be strengthened and prepared for emergencies, including armed conflicts. First, there is a need to further clarify and plan for the actions of competent authorities at all levels during armed conflicts. Second, the IAEA can assist Member States in developing guidance for specific scenarios during such events. Third, further integration of physical protection with other areas related to emergency response is needed.