SSM strengthens cooperation with Ukraine on nuclear safety

A delegation from The Swedish Radiation Safety Authority (SSM), led by Director General Michael Knochenhauer, recently travelled to Ukraine to consolidate the cooperation and reinforce the shared direction going forward. The cooperation between Sweden and Ukraine in the field of nuclear safety is one of longest-standing and most extensive international engagements of the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority (SSM).

Since the years following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the authority has supported Ukrainian counterparts through a wide range of joint projects in areas such as nuclear safety, radiation protection, nuclear security, nuclear non-proliferation, radioactive waste management and education. This cooperation has made a concrete contribution to strengthening safety work at Ukraine’s nuclear facilities and to the development of its regulatory authorities.

The SSM delegation met with the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine (SNRIU), the senior leadership of the state-owned nuclear operator Energoatom, and a number of government ministry and parliamentary representatives. The programme also included visits to facilities in Chornobyl and the Rivne Nuclear Power Plant to discuss the current status of safety activities and to observe how nuclear safety is being upheld under wartime conditions.

Experiences from the war

During the visit, specific and detailed discussions were held on a wide range of issues of common interest, including ongoing and planned support activities, and Ukrainian experiences related to the Russian war of aggression.

“We have gained a deeper understanding of the current challenges faced by our Ukrainian counterparts, as well as of the situation both at the occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and at the country’s other nuclear power stations. We have also identified a number of areas for follow-up and further development,” says Michael Knochenhauer.

The realities of war were evident throughout the visit. Recurring air raid alerts, shelter procedures and adapted operational environments at our counterparts provided a clear and concrete image of the circumstances under which Ukraine and its nuclear sector currently operates. The SSM-delegation was able to observe first-hand how nuclear facilities adjust their activities to maintain nuclear safety during wartime.

“Ukraine has unique knowledge of maintaining nuclear safety and operational integrity under extreme pressure, and this provides valuable insights for our own preparedness efforts. At a time when Europe’s security order is being tested, it is clear that we must act together. Our cooperation with Ukraine, as well as with other international partners, helps building collective resilience while also strengthening Sweden’s civil defence in an increasingly uncertain global and regional security environment,” says Michael Knochenhauer.

During meetings with governmental representatives, SSM raised the recently reported issues of corruption within the state-owned company Energoatom. The Ukrainian counterparts shared their reflections on the matter and outlined planned measures.

Contributes to developing civil defense

Both SSM and its Ukrainian partners reaffirmed the value of the ongoing cooperation and identified areas for further deepening. The discussions will be followed up with additional meetings in the near future.

“The openness and high degree of professionalism that characterised the dialogue further strengthened our cooperation. Our bilateral partnership is strategically important for both Ukraine and Sweden. Ukraine sees tangible and direct benefits, and for our part, the exchange supports the development of Sweden’s civil defence capabilities,” says Michael Knochenhauer.

Further information: The Swedish Radiation Safety Authority's press service, tel. +46(0)8-799 40 20.