Operation of obsolete power units at the Kursk NPP is a threat to Ukraine and the world – Oleh Korikov

RBMK reactors (high power channel type reactors) operating at the Kursk NPP pose a potential threat to Ukraine and the world due to significant safety deficiencies.

This was emphasized by Oleh Korikov, Head of the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate, Chief State Inspector for Nuclear and Radiation Safety of Ukraine, during a briefing at the Media Center Ukraine.

“Ukraine is not russia and will never resort to nuclear blackmail. In fact, it’s the Kursk nuclear power plant that poses a threat to Ukraine and other countries. All of russia’s claims about threats to the Kursk plant from Ukraine are part of a disinformation operation, fabricated lies intended to conceal their prehistoric technologies, which in themselves pose a significant danger,” Korikov said.

One of the main shortcomings of the Kursk NPP RBMK reactors in terms of nuclear and radiation safety is the lack of containment – a sealed structure around the reactor unit, which is an important element of protection against the spread of radioactivity to the environment.  In addition, these reactors lack two independent safety systems and rely solely on the insertion of boron rods for protection.

The daily release of radioactive emissions to the atmosphere from the RBMK reactors at the Kursk NPP is 100 times higher than that from the VVER power units.

Korikov also highlighted several other serious risks associated with the design and operation of RBMK reactors at the Kursk plant.

“We can say that significant design flaws, radiation release incidents, including the Chornobyl disaster, operational incidents that have even resulted in the deaths of personnel, and the lack of transparency – such as IAEA missions and inspections, lead to the conclusion that it is actually the unsafe operation of these power units that is a threat to Ukraine and the world, as radiation knows no borders,” Korikov stressed.

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