Nuclear Security in Times of War: Documentary Evidence in New Edition
The presentation of book “Voices of Ukraine Volume Two: Nuclear Security in Times of War” arranged by the World Institute for Nuclear Security (WINS) together with the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine, the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine and the Energoatom with the support of the Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (DSA) took place in Kyiv on 25 March. The report “Nuclear Security 2.0” was also presented during the event, analyzing the impact of the war in Ukraine on the nuclear security regime.
“Volume two edition and its presentation here in Kyiv today is vital to draw attention of the international community to the people working in the nuclear industry of Ukraine. A nuclear facility was occupied by another country only three times in the world history. The first time was in 2014, when russia occupied the research reactor in Sevastopol, Crimea. The second time was when russia occupied the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone on 25 February 2022. Shortly after, russia occupied the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Three times, the russian federation has violated the international law, disregarding decency and the value of human life”, WINS Executive Director Lars van Dassen said.
“Voices of Ukraine Volume Two: Nuclear Security in Times of War” consists of 22 interviews with representatives of the Ukrainian nuclear industry about decision-making by senior officials at critical moments, occupation/de-occupation of the Chornobyl exclusion zone; and occupation of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. These are the testimonies of people working in the nuclear industry who survived occupation, captivity and torture and who made important decisions on a daily basis.
During the presentation of the book, the Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine Mykola Tochytskyi pointed out that eyewitness accounts are a powerful weapon in combating russian propaganda and the information war does not end after the cessation of hostilities. Deputy Minister of Energy of Ukraine Mykola Kolisnyk noted that the “Voices of Ukraine” are more than just a collection of memories, it is a chronology of the struggle, resilience, and dedication of people at each of their posts in interaction, operational safety, upholding their principles, and protecting the nuclear security of Ukraine and the entire world.
During the event, a panel discussion on current challenges and threats to nuclear security was held with the participation of narrators of the book Viktor Kolesnikov (SBGSU), Oleksandr Pererva (ChNPP), Viacheslav Varvarov (Energoatom) and Oleksandr Kyryliuk (SESU). It was chaired by Nataliia Klos (WINS).
“Each such book, each case, each documented record of russia’s crimes brings us closer to victory, and brings them closer to criminal conviction. So that this never happens again. This is a huge amount of work”, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Oleksandr Mishchenko noted.
The ribbon cutting ceremony marking the release of the book took place with the participation of Her Excellency Mrs. Helene Sand Andresen, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to Ukraine.
Uatom.org Editorial Board