Three out of six objects of nuclear waste, which was generated as a result of the execution of military programs of the former USSR in Ukraine, remain on the uncontrolled territories.

In Ukraine, there are several facilities, where during the period between 1960 and 1990, the Armed Forces of the former USSR were burying radioactive waste. After 1991, these facilities were transferred to the Armed Forces of Ukraine; however, Ukraine was not given any information on the nature of this radioactive waste. Today, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine is responsible for 6 of these facilities. Two out of these are situated in Crimea, which is under Russian occupation, the other two – near towns Delyatyn in Ivano-Frankivsk region and Tsybuleve in Kirovohrad region; one burial site is at “Vakulenchuk” facility near the town of Vakulenchuk, Chudnivsky district of Zhytomyr region and finally, the last nuclear waste burial site is located on the territory of Donetsk state factory of chemical products in the city of Donetsk.

After the discussion, the deputies with 272 votes have ratified the agreement with NATO, signed back in 2013. With the help of technical assistance by NATO member states, it will allow the reburial of the nuclear waste.

“The first phase of carrying out the agreement concerns the “Vakulenchuk” facility in Zhytomyr region, €508 000 was allocated for its implementation” – said Klympush-Tsintsadze.

By ‘Ukrainska Pravda’