MFA condemns Russian attacks on Ukraine's nuclear, scientific facilities, urges IAEA to respond firmly to escalation – statement

The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned Russia's latest attack on a nuclear research facility in Kyiv, describing it as a continuation of Russian nuclear terrorism. The drone strike on September 30 damaged the Institute for Nuclear Research of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, located just 100 meters from a research nuclear reactor.

This is the latest in a series of Russian attacks targeting Ukraine's nuclear sector, including the destruction of buildings belonging to the national nuclear energy company Energoatom and the Presidium of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine in September. The MFA emphasized that Russia is systematically destroying the conditions necessary for scientists to work, putting nuclear facilities at risk.

The Ministry called on the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to respond firmly to this escalation, demanding Russia cease the strikes and urging partners to strengthen sanctions against Russia's nuclear sector, particularly Rosatom. The MFA also urged countries cooperating with Russia in nuclear and scientific fields to use these ties to pressure Moscow.

Meanwhile, Ukraine seeks additional capabilities to protect its nuclear facilities, calling for the rapid delivery of air defense systems, missiles, and means to intercept attack drones. The State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine confirmed that no radiation levels at the reactor have changed since the attack, as the reactor has been offline since February 2022 for routine maintenance.