Neutron generator in Kharkiv “destroyed” but no radiation released, IAEA says –

A neutron generator at a physics institute in Kharkiv, Ukraine has apparently been destroyed, the UN chief said.

Rafael Mariano Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, said on Monday that the relatively new facility is considered “subcritical” and has “a very small inventory of equipment”.

There was no radiation emission.

Grossi said the site is part of a collaboration between the United States and Ukraine, which produces neutrons for scientific experiments.

He added: “This is a scientific institution, so what happened is really unfortunate.”

Kharkov has been the subject of constant attacks by Russian forces in recent days.

The International Atomic Energy Agency continues its efforts to reach an agreement with Ukraine and Russia on the safety of Ukrainian nuclear power plants amid growing concerns about the situation.

On Friday, Russian forces took control of the Zaporizhzhia station, the largest in Ukraine and Europe, after an attack that set fire to a building in the area.

The International Atomic Energy Agency said Ukraine has since informed it that it has tightened control, that Ukrainian personnel must obtain approval for any operation, and that normal communications have been blocked.

On Monday, Grossi said conditions were “absolutely extraordinary” and added: “There is a safe operation, but there are many questions about its ability to continue longer if we don’t support it. One way or another. “, he said. .

He called for commitments “not to go near a nuclear facility when it comes to military operations”.

The CEO initially offered to hold talks at the decommissioned Chernobyl power plant, where the 1986 disaster took place and which was also controlled by Russian forces.

The Kremlin said on Sunday that Russian President Vladimir Putin believed the talks could be useful in principle, but suggested the call could be made via video call or in a third country.

Source: Wales Online

follow:
\