This resource was made possible by a grant from Carnegie Corporation of New York. The statements made and views expressed are solely the responsibility of the author.
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
November has brought more troubling news from both North Korea and the Russian occupation of Zaporizhzhia. In a burst of missile launches, the lift off of the Hwasong-17 prompted Kim Jong Un to promise that North Korea would become the strongest nuclear weapons power. In Ukraine, reports continue to emerge that detail the mistreatment of nuclear operators in Ukraine by Russian occupiers. This, coupled with the continued attacks on Zaporizhzhia and threats to critical elements of the nuclear infrastructure in Ukraine, emphasize the urgent need for stronger international norms for nuclear security. With Poland launching its first nuclear energy initiative and nuclear power becoming more accessible around the world, the international community must act to prevent the targeting of nuclear facilities – both now and in the future.
Hope, Endurance, and Courage,
Rick
Director, International Nuclear Security Forum
Join the conversation on Twitter: @INS_Forum
Announcements
The INSF call for proposals for the Nuclear Security Policy Menu series is still open. Find application details here.
Nuclear Security News
Impact: The Invasion of Ukraine
- UN nuclear agency to probe Russia claim of `dirty bombs’: “The U.N. nuclear chief said Thursday he is sending inspectors to two locations in Ukraine where Russia alleged that activities related to the possible production of “dirty bombs” was taking place and expects them to reach a conclusion “in days—very fast.” Rafael Grossi said inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency would be traveling this week to the two sites, which are under IAEA safeguards, following a written request from the Ukrainian government.”
- Update 122 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine: “A landmine explosion cut the main power supply connection to one of the reactors of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), in the latest incident underlining the fragile nuclear safety and security situation at the facility during the current military conflict, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said today. The explosion occurred yesterday evening outside the ZNPP’s perimeter fence, disconnecting the 750 kilovolt (kV) external power line between the plant’s switchyard and the main electrical transformer of reactor unit 4.”
- Russia Claims to Federalize Ukrainian Nuclear Plant: “The director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) met the presidents of Ukraine and Russia to press for the establishment of a zone of protection around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, but new Russian claims on the Ukrainian facility likely will complicate these efforts. In an Oct. 11 press release, the IAEA said that Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi, who visited Kyiv on Oct. 6 and St. Petersburg on Oct. 11, engaged in “intense consultations” with Ukraine and Russia over establishing the protection zone and emphasizing the urgency of the situation. The agency did not indicate what barriers remain to reaching an agreement, but Grossi was quoted as saying, “We can’t waste any more time.”
- Reactors at Ukrainian nuclear power plants shut down after Russian strikes: “Several reactors at two Ukrainian power plants automatically shut down as a result of Russian missile strikes on Tuesday, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said, adding that millions of people were left without electricity. Russia pounded cities and energy facilities across Ukraine on Tuesday, killing at least one person and causing widespread power outages in what Kyiv said was the heaviest wave of missile strikes in nearly nine months of war. “As a result of the strikes, automation today disabled several nuclear units at two stations—these are calculated consequences, and the enemy knew exactly what he was doing,” Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address.”
- Ukraine updates: Nuclear plant rocked by ‘explosion’: “The UN’s nuclear watchdog has said blasts near Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant were apparently caused by shelling. It called for the establishment of a demilitarized zone around the plant…The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said “powerful explosions” rocked the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine overnight and Sunday morning.”
- Ukraine nuclear plant shelled, U.N. warns: ‘You’re playing with fire!’: “Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which is under Russian control, was rocked by shelling on Sunday, drawing condemnation from the U.N. nuclear watchdog which said such attacks risked a major disaster. More than a dozen blasts shook Europe’s biggest nuclear power plant on Saturday evening and Sunday, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said. Moscow and Kyiv both blamed the other for the shelling of the facility as they have done repeatedly in recent months after earlier explosions. IAEA head Rafael Grossi said news of the blasts was extremely disturbing.”
- ‘The Hole’: Gruesome Accounts of Russian Occupation Emerge From Ukrainian Nuclear Plant: “Hooded and handcuffed, Ihor Murashov, director general of Europe’s largest nuclear plant, was on the stone floor of a basement prison, accused by masked men of betraying Russia. He could hear the captors interrogating his chauffeur. The 46-year-old Mr. Murashov, who had led the occupied Zaporizhzhia atomic energy station for seven months, was ordered by gun-brandishing guards to face the lens of a video camera. “What you say now will determine your fate,” he recalled one telling him.”
International Architecture
- Russian actions at Zaporizhzhia show need for better legal protections of nuclear installations: “The current international nuclear safeguarding regime focuses on protections against those who might attempt the unauthorized removal of nuclear materials or engage in sabotage actions. Efforts to minimize risks for terrorists and those with insider knowledge of nuclear plants have been front and center in these conversations. But Russia’s actions show the limits of this approach when nuclear facilities are in a war zone. These regulations do little to stop state militaries from acting irresponsibly in and around nuclear plants. The Russian military attacks on Ukraine’s nuclear power plants show the need for expanded guidelines for the physical protection of nuclear facilities..”
- Russia and US to Hold First Nuclear Talks Since Ukraine War: “Russia said it will hold talks with the US from late November to early December in Cairo about inspections of atomic weapons sites under the New START treaty, a first step toward reviving broader arms-control talks suspended since the Russian invasion of Ukraine.”
- IAEA Provides Nuclear Security Support at FIFA Men’s World Cup in Qatar: “The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has provided Qatar with equipment and training to support the country’s efforts to prevent a nuclear security incident during the 2022 World Cup Championship. The Agency has worked with Qatar’s National Committee for the Prohibition of Weapons (NCPW) over the past year to build its capacity to thwart any attack involving nuclear or other radioactive material….In the run up to this year’s World Cup, the IAEA has helped Qatar integrate nuclear security measures in its overall plans developed to tackle security challenges at such a large-scale event. “Football is a unifying sport enjoyed by billions throughout the world,” said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. “Fans attending the games in Qatar deserve to do so without concerns about nuclear security.”
Weapons, Materials, and Facilities
- Poland chooses US to build its first nuclear power plant: “Poland has chosen the U.S. government and Westinghouse to build the central European country’s first nuclear power plant, part of an effort to burn less coal and gain greater energy independence. Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said late Friday on Twitter that Poland would use the ‘reliable, safe technology’ of the Westinghouse Electric Company for the plant in Pomerania province near the Baltic Sea coast… ‘This announcement also sends a clear message to Russia: We will not let them weaponize energy any longer,’ Granholm said. ‘The West will stand together against this unprovoked aggression, while also diversifying energy supply chains and bolstering climate cooperation.’”
- Poland Signs Deal With Korea to Build Second Nuclear Plant: “Poland reached a deal with South Korea to develop the European nation’s second nuclear power plant, accelerating its efforts to become energy independent following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., a state-run nuclear plant operator, signed a letter of intent with Polish utilities PGE SA and ZE PAK SA on Monday, South Korea’s energy ministry said in a statement. The consortium will build several APR-1400 reactors near ZE PAK’s coal plants in Patnow.”
- IAEA head on preventing a nuclear disaster in Ukraine and around the world: “Sixty years ago to the day, November 20th, the world sighed in relief as the Cuban Missile Crisis ended. It was the closest we ever came to nuclear armageddon—until now, with Russia threatening to use nuclear weapons in the war. And then, there’s the dire and deteriorating condition of Europe’s biggest nuclear power plant, Zaporizhzhia, in Russian-occupied Ukraine. The situation is carefully monitored by the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, the U.N.’s nuclear watchdog tasked with making sure nuclear facilities are safe and atomic material is used only for peaceful purposes. Its director general, Rafael Mariano Grossi, recently inspected the site, which may be the most dangerous place in the world.”
- Iran must cooperate with uranium probe, says IAEA board resolution “The United Nations atomic watchdog’s 35-nation Board of Governors passed a resolution ordering Iran to cooperate urgently with the agency’s investigation into uranium traces found at three undeclared sites, diplomats at Thursday’s closed-door vote said. The resolution drafted by the United States, Britain, France and Germany says “it is essential and urgent” that Iran explain the origin of the uranium particles and more generally give the International Atomic Energy Agency all the answers it requires.”
Threats
- Pentagon’s Strategy Won’t Rule Out Nuclear Use Against Non-Nuclear Threat: “The Pentagon’s new National Defense Strategy rejected limits on using nuclear weapons long championed by arms control advocates and in the past by President Joe Biden. Citing burgeoning threats from China and Russia, the Defense Department said in the document released Thursday that “by the 2030s the United States will, for the first time in its history face two major nuclear powers as strategic competitors and potential adversaries.” In response, the US will “maintain a very high bar for nuclear employment” without ruling out using the weapons in retaliation to a non-nuclear strategic threat to the homeland, US forces abroad or allies.”
- World ‘holding breath’ over possible N Korea nuclear test: IAEA: “The world is holding its breath over the possibility North Korea might carry out a nuclear bomb test, the head of the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has said. Officials in the United States and South Korea have warned for months that Pyongyang is preparing for a nuclear test after a five-year suspension—a move that would signal North Korea speeding ahead with the development of advanced weapons capabilities.”
- Russian Military Leaders Discussed Use of Nuclear Weapons, U.S. Officials Say: “Senior Russian military leaders recently had conversations to discuss when and how Moscow might use a tactical nuclear weapon in Ukraine, contributing to heightened concern in Washington and allied capitals, according to multiple senior American officials. President Vladimir V. Putin was not a part of the conversations, which were held against the backdrop of Russia’s intensifying nuclear rhetoric and battlefield setbacks.”
- The C.I.A. director meets with his Russian counterpart to warn against the use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine: “William J. Burns, the director of the Central Intelligence Agency, met with his Russian counterpart in Turkey on Monday to warn Russia against the use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine, a White House spokesman said. The talks in Ankara—the highest level face-to-face meetings between senior Russian and American officials since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in February—were seen as part of the administration’s efforts to step up its communications with senior officials in Russia, which has made numerous veiled threats about using a nuclear weapon in Ukraine.”
Security Culture
- Nuclear injustice: How Russia’s invasion of Ukraine shows the staggering human cost of deterrence: “Today, the consequences of Nuclear Injustice are again on full display in Ukraine. Back in February 2022, the world watched with horror as Russia shielded its blatant aggression by using nuclear threats… The nuclear-weapon-free country could not deter Russian aggression, nor could the nuclear-armed West. Much of the justified furor in the West has to do with Moscow openly leveraging its nuclear arsenal to its own benefit… Besides the concomitant risk of accidents and miscalculations, the case of Ukraine also demonstrates that this peace is distributed unequally. Like during the Cold War, it buys stability for some at the expense of others—this time the Ukrainians.”
- Hiroshima survivors plead for nuclear-free world as global tensions rise: “
- The destruction of Hiroshima has become a gruesome reference point since Putin first threatened to use nuclear weapons in an attempt to deter the US and its allies from supporting Ukrainian resistance to the Russian invasion… [Hiroshima] will have the opportunity to remind world leaders of the horrors of nuclear annihilation – whether in a Japanese city or, potentially, on a Ukrainian battlefield – when it hosts the G7 summit next May.”
- Reflecting on the Past and Anticipating the Future – Symposium on International Safeguards Begins: “More than 600 stakeholders in support of IAEA safeguards – diplomats, officials from State regulatory authorities, the research and development community, industry and civil society – are meeting this week in Vienna for the 14th Symposium on International Safeguards. The week-long Symposium, which began this morning, provides a forum to identify challenges and opportunities in safeguards, cultivate partnerships, and showcase research and ideas in support of the verification of the peaceful use of nuclear material… During the week, attendees will present and discuss topics ranging from the evolution of safeguards over the years, safeguarding new types of facilities, tools to detect undeclared nuclear material and strengthening safeguards capacity and culture.”
- “Nuclear wars must not be fought,” China President Xi says: “China’s president has pressed world leaders to stop making threats and prevent the use of nuclear weapons in Europe and Asia as rhetoric over Russia’s war in Ukraine continues to heat up. President Xi Jinping made the plea after meeting German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Beijing on Friday, the official Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported. ‘The international community should … jointly oppose the use or threats to use nuclear weapons, advocate that nuclear weapons must not be used and nuclear wars must not be fought, in order to prevent a nuclear crisis in Eurasia,’ Xi said.”
Emerging Technologies
- Mending The “Broken Arrow”: Confidence Building Measures at the AI-Nuclear Nexus: “Advances in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, cyber, quantum computing, and other technologies are creating new opportunities for countries to revise their command and control, early warning, and even the platforms they would use in case of war… Reducing the risk of nuclear accidents or miscalculations involving AI is in the collective interest of all countries. These shared interests could make cooperation more plausible, even during times of intra-state war and geopolitical tension.”
Material Minimization
- Iran says uranium enrichment ramped up to near weapons-grade at a second facility: “Iran has begun producing uranium enriched to 60 percent at its Fordo plant, official media reported Tuesday about the underground facility that reopened three years ago amid the breakdown of its nuclear deal with major powers. The move was part of Iran’s response to the United Nations nuclear watchdog’s adoption last week of a censure motion drafted by Western governments accusing it of non-cooperation. “Iran has started producing uranium enriched to 60 percent at the Fordo plant for the first time,” Iran’s ISNA news agency reported.”
Member Organization Announcements and Updates
African Nuclear Research Network
- On November 11, 2022, the African Nuclear Research Network held its inaugural meeting. The Network consists of African academics, policy makers, and researchers, and aims to advance nuclear research and education in the Social Sciences in and for Africa, contribute to policy making and agenda setting in nuclear matters related to or affecting the continent. Interested African scholars on the continent and the Diaspora are welcome to contact the convenor, Professor Jo-Ansie van Wyk of the University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa. Email: [email protected]
Black Sea Women in Nuclear Network (BSWN)
- From October 18-21, 2022, the Black Sea Women in Nuclear Network (BSWN), convened its first annual meeting in Valetta, Malta to celebrate a successful one-year anniversary. The BSWN was inaugurated by CNS in partnership with the Los Alamos National Laboratory in 2021. Learn more about BSWN here.
Global Nuclear Security Partners (GNSP)
- GNSP co-convened a successful Nuclear Threat Reduction exercise with Bristol University and Sellafield. Watch a video of the exercise.
James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS)
- On November 14, 2022, CNS members, Hanna Notte and Chen Kane produced a paper, “Russian-Turkish Relations and Implications for U.S. Strategy and Operations.” Their study provides an analysis of Russia’s war against Ukraine and Turkey’s centrality to the pursuit of U.S. strategic interests. Read the paper.
Managing the Atom (MTA)
- Mariana Budjeryn spoke at the Ploughshares Fund’s annual nuclear policy forum, “Press the Button LIVE: Nuclear Policy in Crisis” on November 16, 2022. She was joined by Scott Sagan and Ben Rhodes for a panel on Ukraine, discussing nuclear security, deterrence, and the future of the nuclear field. Listen here.
Odesa Center for Nonproliferation (OdCNP)
- Ali Alkis’ wrote a publication for OdCNP, “OdCNP Nuclear Security Monthly Update: October Report.” The report provides an overview of nuclear security developments, including the Russian occupation of Zaporizhzhia, IAEA consultations, and Russian misinformation about “dirty bombs.” Click here to read the publication.
- On November 14, 2022, Ali Alkis presented on WMD Proliferation Risks during the EU Non-Proliferation Consortium’s Next Generation Workshop in Brussels, Belgium. Learn about the event.
- On November 12, 2022, Ali Alkis published “‘Dirty Bombs’: Weapons of Mass Disruptions,” in Indian Strategic Studies Forum. Read the piece.
- Head of the OdCNP, Polina Sinovets took part in the documentary that the ZDF channel is preparing about Russian nuclear threats and the future of deterrence in the context of the war in Ukraine. See more.
Stanley Center for Peace and Security
- The Stanley Center for Peace and Security, in collaboration with Nick Roth and Bill Moon, hosted the Nuclear Adventures workshop in Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA, from November 1-3, 2022. The workshop brought together a diverse range of stakeholders from the nuclear policy field to look at storytelling as a means of strengthening arms control, risk reduction, and nuclear security. Learn more.
University of Melbourne
- From October 31 to November 4, Trevor Findlay participated in the International Atomic Energy’s Agency’s Safeguards Symposium in Vienna, Austria.
- On October 31, he took part in the opening plenary panel, “Reflecting on the Past,” moderated by BBC journalist Barbara Serra.
- On November 2, he engaged with the panel on “Strengthening Confidence in the Absence of Undeclared Activities.”
- On November 3, he gave a presentation on “Organisational Culture and IAEA Safeguards” in a session “Strengthening Safeguards Culture and Performance.”
- Trevor Findlay was also interviewed by the IAEA’s Public Affairs Office for a video commemorating the 50th anniversary of the first comprehensive nuclear safeguards agreement and had a one-on-one meeting with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi to discuss his recent book: Transforming Nuclear Safeguards Culture: The IAEA, Iraq, and the Future of Non-Proliferation. See his publication.
Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP)
- On Tuesday, 6 December 2022 from 15:00 to 16:15 Central European Time (CET), VCDNP will host a virtual panel discussion entitled, “LGBT+ Identity in the Nuclear Weapons Space,” to explore why LGBT+ inclusion, participation, and visibility in nuclear weapons policy is important, how it has been advanced, and what remains to be done. The speakers will share personal experiences of engaging with nuclear weapons policy as members of the LGBT+ community, explaining how their identities shape their work, and how they view LGBT+ visibility and equality in this field. The panel discussion will also spotlight the contributions by queer theory scholars and queer activists for peace and disarmament. Register here.
- From October 31 to November 4, 2022, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) held its quadrennial Symposium on International Safeguards in Vienna, Austria. Hundreds of safeguard experts from diplomatic missions, international capitals, and non-governmental organizations met at the Symposium to reflect and discuss safeguard developments and anticipate future progress. VCDNP experts spoke at nine panel discussions, moderated two sessions, and submitted four papers for the event. Learn more.
Individual Member Updates
- Laura Kennedy interviewed Ambassador Gustavo Zlauvinen about the results of the Tenth Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) RevCon at the Carnegie Nuclear Conference on October 18, 2022. Watch here.
- Shahneela Tariq has been accepted for the Virtual Mentoring Programme for Civil Nuclear Policymakers, Operators and Academics; a course introduced by King’s College London. They were selected for the course titled Writing an International Research Paper Project with Miles Pomper at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, writing on, “Effects of Artificial Intelligence on Mitigating Insider Nuclear Security Threats at Nuclear Power Plants.”
- Artem Lazarev shared the following updates from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC):
- On October 26, UNODC conducted a visit to the United Republic of Tanzania to hold high-level bilateral meetings with the Office of the Attorney General and the Ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs. The meetings intended to raise awareness of the benefits of adhering to, and effectively implementing, the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (ICSANT) and discussing its synergies with the Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (A/CPPNM). Find out more.
- On October 24-26, 2022, UNODC contributed to the IAEA’s National Workshop to Raise Awareness on the Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (A/CPPNM), held in Dodoma (UR of Tanzania). UNODC delivered presentations on ICSANT, the benefits of joining and related UNODC assistance. UNODC also held bilateral consultations with participants from the Ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs, the Office of the Solicitor General and the Prime Minister’s Office.
- From November 9-11, 2022, UNODC contributed to the “MED Trident Tabletop Exercise,” hosted by the Governments of Italy and Morocco, in cooperation with the United States of America, the UNCCT/UNOCT and UNODC in Rome, Italy. The event was comprised of presentations, panel discussions, and a tabletop exercise focused on response to radioactive material smuggling and the applicability of international legal frameworks against acts of nuclear terrorism, including ICSANT. Read about the event.
Opportunities
- The Partnerships for Global Security has a position open for a Della Ratta Global Energy and Security Fellow to conduct policy research related to the intersection of nuclear energy, climate change, and global security. The fellowship is a $15,000 stipend-supported six-month position. Please send a resume and cover letter to [email protected] by December 9, 2022. Learn more here.
- The Arms Control Association is seeking applications for Spring 2023 internships. The expected duration is 12-16 weeks, depending on availability, for 30 hours per week, at a rate of $16.10 per hour. Note: The position will be largely virtual, with some in-person presence in Washington D.C. Preference will be given to candidates located in the Washington D.C., Virginia, and Maryland area, who can access the office when required. Applications are due December 9, 2022. Apply here.
- Third Way is looking to hire a Senior Policy Advisor for Nuclear Exports. The ideal candidate will be able to conduct analysis, develop, and advocate for policies that would accelerate the safe exporting of advanced civilian nuclear power plants. The candidate will provide research and draft high-impact written materials to persuade policymakers, and those who influence them, that it is in the vital economic, security, and climate interest of the United States to export advanced nuclear technologies and provide recommendations on how to accomplish this goal. Learn more and apply.
- CDRF Global is hiring for a Project Lead, Counterproliferation: CBRN. The position will be located in Ukraine, Kyiv the position will leverage project management best practices to implement counter-WMD proliferation programming. Further programming activities will include strengthening counter-CBRN proliferation capacity of government entities and laboratories, and private and academic sectors to identify and respond to emerging threats. Apply here.
- CDRF Global is also hiring for a Program Manager, Nuclear Security. The role will be in Arlington, VA. The Program Manager will oversee implementation of programming to counter nuclear security threats, and promote the best practices in nuclear safety, security, and safeguards. Program efforts will include enhancing the capacity of international government, technical, and civil society partners to help partner countries safely and responsibly build a small modular reactor. Efforts also entail promoting nuclear security culture and insider threat mitigation at civilian nuclear facilities. Apply here.
- George Washington University’s Nuclear Security Working Group (NSWG) is hiring a part-time position for a Program Manager, Nuclear Security Engagement. The Program Manager will be tasked with developing and implementing long-term strategy for legislative outreach; maintaining and expanding partnerships with Congressional offices; directing the annual Fellowship search; and developing and implementing analytic tools to track impact and progress toward program goals. Click here to apply.
- The African Nuclear Research Network is issuing a Call for Papers on the Politics of Nuclear Waste. The call for paper proposals is for an interdisciplinary webinar on the local, domestic, and international politics of nuclear waste, scheduled for February 2 and 3, 2023. Proposals on nuclear waste-related topics in the Nuclear Humanities and Social Sciences are most welcome. Please submit an abstract of no more than 300 words by November 30, 2022 to Jo-Ansie van Wyk via [email protected]
- Proposals are invited on, but not limited to, the following themes:
- The ethics of nuclear waste
- The history of nuclear waste and its disposal
- Techno-nationalism and nuclear waste
- Siting nuclear waste disposal facilities
- Public opinion on nuclear waste and waste disposal facilities
- Nuclear geography and nuclear waste disposal
- Secrecy and nuclear waste
- Shame and nuclear waste
- Civil society and nuclear waste
- Nuclear waste contamination
- Geohydrological contamination and nuclear waste
- Transporting nuclear waste
- Architecture of nuclear waste facilities
- International coalitions against nuclear waste
- The Global South and nuclear waste
- Nuclear waste policies
- Mining and nuclear waste
- Nuclear weapons and waste
- Nuclear waste imaginaries
- The IAEA is hiring for a Unit Head (Transport Security) (P5) within the Division of Nuclear Security. Learn more.
