DISINFO: Radioactive source stolen in Ukraine; EU in danger
SUMMARY
In Ukraine, a radioactive source has disappeared from the city of Uzhhorod (Transcarpathian region). A radioactive source IBN-7 (1991 release) was stolen from Uzhhorod National University. A nuclear facility can be used for malicious purposes and will be smuggled into one of the four countries of the European Union – Romania, Hungary, Slovakia or Poland.
RESPONSE
Disinformation concerning nuclear issues and crime in Ukraine. In Ukraine, ionising radiation sources have been widely used in the medical field, nuclear energy, industry, geology, the military-industrial complex, as well as in scientific research. In Ukraine, all enterprises and organisations using ionising radiation sources are required to obtain an appropriate license from the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate and many other permits. According to the data of the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate in western Ukraine and Transcarpathia, in 2019, 358 different radiation facilities were used, but Uzhhorod National University did not have a permit for the use of any sources. That is, there was no active IBN-7 in the educational institution (p. 59-60). Also, the Russian media claim that the “stolen nuclear source” will soon be “smuggled out” to EU countries. However, all entry and exit control points at the border, both in Ukraine and in the EU, are equipped with special equipment to help detect illegal shipments of radioactive materials. In 2019, three such cases were identified on the western borders of Ukraine. The seized radioactive materials were transferred to a special nuclear storage facility "Radon". (p. 59-60) Moreover, the disinformation mentions that the IBN-7 was released in 1991, however, the "Mayak" enterprise’s website, which produces IBN-7, says that the maximum service life of this type of IBN is 10 years. After that, fast neutron sources are sent for nuclear disposal. (p.45)