US wants to prepare for a nuclear incident in Ukraine by setting aside $35 million in aid

The fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces did not spare highly sensitive areas in Ukraine where nuclear power plants are located.

Over the past couple of months, there have been multiple reports about fighting and shelling at and around the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) which is Europe’s largest nuclear complex producing nearly 6000 megawatts of power. According to Reuters, on Sep. 6 shelling had hit and damaged a backup power line after the plant already lost four of its regular power lines.

Intensified fighting might lead to a nuclear incident

According toCNN, Ukraine has four operating nuclear power plants with overall 15 reactors, and as the fighting intensifies close to the energy plants, there is a likely scenario of a nuclear incident.

Time reports that the ZNPP has been under Russia’s control since March, and while reporting of sustained damage to the plant surfaced multiple times, Russian authorities gave in to pressure from the international community by hosting an assessment team composed of international experts from the UN International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The US Government has already been providing invaluable nuclear security assistance to Ukraine. This is through the US National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), which operates within the Department of Energy.

The NNSA has been providing real-time monitoring of radiation levels of the beleaguered nuclear power plants, providing capacity building for Ukrainian counterparts, and preparing for the worst-case scenario by modelling the consequences of potential damages to the nuclear facilities.

Additional capacity building for Ukraine

According to Time, the $35 million would be invested by NNSA for Ukraine’s nuclear security 'to prepare for and respond to potential nuclear and radiological incidents in Ukraine.'

In concrete terms, that means the capacity building of several Ukrainian agencies and institutions with tools and know-how.

Timeadditionally cites the NNSA spokesman Craig Branson who said the aid would increase the capacity of local Ukrainian institutions such as by providing:

Radiation sensors, equipment and supplies for Ukraine’s National Guard, protective capabilities for Ukraine’s four nuclear facilities, counter-nuclear smuggling equipment for Ukraine’s State Border Guard and, in the worst case, consolidation of radiological materials.

According to CNN, US lawmakers have time until Sep. 30 to pass the bill, which contains also this portion of the spending and prevent a government shutdown.

Sources used:

- Reuters: ‘Shelling damages Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant's backup power line -IAEA’

- CNN: ‘White House requests Ukraine nuclear security funding to expand assistance due to Zaporizhzhia concerns’

- Time: ‘White House Seeks $35 Million in Nuclear Incident Aid Amid Rising Ukraine Dangers’

Read more:

⋙ Russia tells the US it is close to crossing a 'dangerous line' over nuclear warnings

⋙ If Vladimir Putin uses nukes, Russia will face 'catastrophic consequences', US warns

⋙ Former Vladimir Putin adviser threatens the UK with a nuclear strike on live radio