UNITED STATES AND UKRAINE REAFFIRM COMMITMENT TO FIGHT NUCLEAR SMUGGLING

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20 of November 2020 15:57

Representatives of NNSA and the Administration of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (ASBGS) recently signed a joint statement reiterating their commitment to work together to fight nuclear smuggling.

Representatives of NNSA and the Administration of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (ASBGS) recently signed a joint statement reiterating their commitment to work together to fight nuclear smuggling.

Dr. Brent Park, NNSA’s Deputy Administrator for Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation, and Maj. Gen. Volodymyr Nikiforenko, First Deputy Head of the ASBGS, virtually signed the joint statement last month reaffirming the commitment of both nations to continue existing efforts, and strengthen support to prevent the smuggling of nuclear materials across state borders. The virtual signing of the document was a follow-on to the 2020 International Atomic Energy Agency General Conference.

“NNSA plans continued cooperation with the Administration of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine in countering nuclear smuggling to meet the emerging threats of the 21st century,” said Dr. Park. “Our cooperation has greatly benefited the security of both our nations and has made a significant contribution to enhancing global security.”

In turn, Maj. Gen. Nikiforenko noted, “Cooperation with the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration is one of the priorities for the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine. We greatly appreciate the assistance provided to us by our American partners.”

Cooperation between NNSA and ASBGS in the fight against nuclear smuggling began in 2005 and has included:

  • Deploying radiation detection systems at nearly 90 international border crossings, airports, and seaports across Ukraine;
  • Equipping internal checkpoints on administrative boundaries with Russia-occupied and Russia-controlled territories in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea in addition to separate districts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions with radiation detection systems;
  • Fielding 14 mobile radiation detection systems;
  • Providing specialized training to law enforcement officers focused on countering nuclear smuggling; and
  • Ensuring that all radiation detection equipment and systems are able to receive necessary maintenance.

Cooperation between NNSA and ASBGS has also focused on strengthening global efforts to counter nuclear smuggling. This has included:

  • Facilitating international training events focused on fighting nuclear smuggling; and
  • Participating in exchanges on best practices.

NNSA looks forward to continued cooperation with ASBGS in counter nuclear smuggling to meet the emerging threats of the 21st century.

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