Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear reactor damaged following drone attack, raising questions on nuclear security

Posted 09 Apr 2024

2 min read

Zaporizhzhia, the largest nuclear plant in Europe, is located in southeast Ukraine, on the banks of the Dnipro or Dnieper river (drains into the Black Sea).
- It is currently under the control of the Russian forces.
Nuclear security is the prevention of, detection of, and response to, criminal or intentional unauthorized acts involving or directed at nuclear material, other radioactive material, or associated facilities.
- International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) highlighted ‘seven indispensable pillars of nuclear safety and security’ (See box).

International regulations for Nuclear Security:
- 1979 Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and Nuclear Facilities (CPPNM)
- United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540 (2004)
- 2005 International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (ICSANT)

Five elements of India’s Nuclear Security:
- Governance: Atomic Energy Act 1962, Rules on Safe Disposal of Radioactive Waste (1987) and Radiation Protection (2004).
- Institutions: Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB).
- Nuclear Security Practice & Culture: National Design Basis Threat Document, Central Industrial Security Force etc.
- Technology: Closed fuel cycle with ‘reprocess to reuse’ of plutonium.
- International cooperation: Party to all 13 anti-terrorism conventions including CPPNM and ICSANT.

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