Efforts are needed to restore safe and secure management of nuclear facilities at the Chernobyl nuclear site in Ukraine and to better characterise the radiological situation within the exclusion zone, the International Atomic Energy Agency said in a report on nuclear safety, security and safeguards in the country since the Russian invasion.

According to the report, the situation in the area around Chernobyl remains difficult, in part due to damaged bridges, and much work remains to be done to return the site to normality. The work associated with the management of spent fuel and radioactive waste at site and the exclusion zone were halted owing to the conflict.

During his recent visit to Chernobyl, IAEA director-general Rafael Grossi agreed with the Ukrainian authorities to set up a working group to coordinate and implement the technical assistance for ensuring nuclear safety, security and safeguards at the Chernobyl site.