To ensure nuclear safety in Ukrainian nuclear power plants – including Zaporizhia and Chernobyl – Norway is supporting Ukraine with a payment of 250 million kroner (almost 21.5 million euros). “The illegal war initiated by Russia poses a threat to security and nuclear safety in Ukraine,” said the Norwegian foreign ministry.
“A nuclear accident in Ukraine would affect not only Ukraine itself, but also beyond its borders,” it said. According to the information, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will receive 100 million kroner (about 8.6 million euros) to support the stay of its experts in several nuclear power plants in Ukraine, including the former Chernobyl nuclear power plant.
The security of the facilities will be increased by the equivalent of approximately 12.8 million euros. The money comes from a multi-year aid plan with which Norway wants to give Ukraine a total of 6.4 billion euros in civil and military support from 2023 to 2027.
EU plans financial support of 50 billion euros
According to a report by the Bloomberg agency, the European Union (EU) is once again preparing a large aid package of about 50 billion euros. On Monday, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, announced on Twitter that she had spoken with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about financial support beyond 2023. Further details have not yet been released.
Concerns about a nuclear accident are on the rise
The announcement from Oslo stemmed from safety concerns at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine. Since the destruction of the Kachowka dam in the region, concerns have grown that a nuclear accident could occur due to a lack of cooling water for the nuclear power plant.
The situation there is “serious”, but “measures to stabilize” are being taken, IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said on Thursday during a visit to the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant. A team of experts from the IAEA is constantly on site. The nuclear power plant was repeatedly threatened by attacks and fighting in the area, as well as power failures.
New Russian drone strikes
The Ukrainian capital Kiev and the surrounding region were again the target of a Russian drone strike on Tuesday night, according to Ukrainian intelligence. The air defense systems are up and running and repelled the attack, the military government said.
According to Mayor Andriy Sadowyj, the western Ukrainian city of Lviv is also the target of a Russian airstrike. The city and the surrounding region are rocked by explosions, Sadovyj reports via Telegram. It is not immediately clear whether the explosions are missiles repelled by air defense systems or impacts.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
