WINS’ book ‘Voices of Ukraine Volume Two: Nuclear Security in Times of War’ was launched in Kyiv with the participation of interviewees, Ukrainian representatives from the nuclear sector and the international community
WINS, together with the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine, State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine, JSC NNEGC Energoatom and with the support of the Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (DSA), launched the book Voices of Ukraine Volume Two: Nuclear Security in Times of War on 25 March 2025 in Kyiv at the Intercontinental Hotel.
The book contains interviews with representatives of the Ukrainian nuclear industry. The book consists of 22 testimonies, which focus on the following topics: decision-making by senior officials at critical moments; occupation/de-occupation of the Chornobyl exclusion zone; and occupation of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. These are the testimonies of people working in the nuclear industry who survived occupation, captivity and torture and who make important decisions on a daily basis. The book allows us to experience firsthand the profound impact of this war on nuclear security in Ukraine and beyond.
The analytical report Nuclear Security 2.0, which considers the impact of the war in Ukraine on the nuclear security regime, was also released at the launch.
“We stand in awe of the courage and resilience demonstrated by Ukraine’s nuclear workers in the face of brutality. In this conflict, Russia has shown particular aggression against nuclear workers and their families. Our role as WINS is to stand with those who defend nuclear security against those who seek to undermine it,” said Lars van Dassen, Executive Director of WINS.
Mr van Dassen noted that the focus of the event was to honour the work of the brave men and women working at these facilities and in the nuclear security field, who have persevered in their duty to protect people and the environment and to maintain vital electricity supplies to Ukrainian communities despite these violent conditions of war.
Speakers at the event included Per Strand, Director General of DSA, the sponsor of the publication and the Kyiv event; Lars van Dassen, Executive Director of WINS; Mykola Tochytskyi, Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine; Mykola Kolisnyk, Deputy of Minister of Energy of Ukraine; Oleksandr Mischenko, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine; and Petro Kotin, Acting Chairman of the Board of Energoatom.
Minister Tochytskyi pointed out in his speech that “Eyewitness accounts are a powerful weapon in combating Russian propaganda.” He also emphasised the importance of documenting Russia’s crimes and relaying the truth to the international community.
Deputy Minister Oleskandr Mishchenko said that the Russian invasion posed unprecedented challenges for the security of the nation. “Russia, being a terrorist state, deliberately strikes at Ukrainian nuclear sites and wages war in their vicinity. The Russian leadership are trying to undermine the unity of partners in the support of Ukraine, escalate the situation – specifically around ZNPP – and use this as an instrument of pressure against the international community.”
Mr Kotin thanked the authors for their persistent and vitally important effort. “This publication is a testimony of the courage and high professionalism of our workers supporting the stable operation of the nuclear power sector despite all difficulties. The book also emphasises the significance of international support and solidarity in this difficult time. I thank everyone involved in the creation of the second volume and wish us all peace, stability and further success in our common work,” Mr Kotin added.
The event included a panel discussion on current challenges and threats to nuclear security with the participation of some of the main heroes of the book: Viktor Kolesnikov (SBGSU); Oleksandr Pererva (ChNPP); Viacheslav Varvarov (Energoatom) and Oleksandr Kyryliuk (SESU). It was chaired by Nataliia Klos of WINS
The event gathered more than 150 participants, including representatives of Ukrainian state authorities, law enforcement agencies, the nuclear community, educational institutions, civil society, embassies, international organisations and the media.
The formal ribbon cutting ceremony to launch the book was presided over by Her Excellency Ms Helene Sand Andresen, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to Ukraine.
Her Excellency Ms Helene Sand Andresen, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to Ukraine
Per Strand, Director General of DSA, and Lars van Dassen, Executive Director of WINS
Per Strand, Director General of DSA
Viktor Kolesnikov (SBGSU); Oleksandr Pererva (ChNPP); Viacheslav Varvarov (Energoatom) and Oleksandr Kyryliuk (SESU) in a panel chaired by Nataliia Klos of WINS
Nataliia Klos, WINS Senior Project Manager
About WINS:
WINS is an international non-governmental organisation committed to building a global community of nuclear security professionals who are willing to work together to strengthen the security of nuclear and other radioactive materials. It was established in September 2008 during the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency and has grown to include more than 9,000 members in 166 countries. WINS’ primary purpose is to improve the professionalism and competence of all those involved in nuclear security so nuclear and other radioactive materials are not used for terrorist or other criminal purposes by any actor, whether State or non-State. It promotes knowledge sharing and best practices through workshops and webinars, dozens of guidance documents, 10 certified training programmes in four languages, and benchmarking and evaluation services.
