Nuclear fuel to be withdrawn from all reactors of Chornobyl NPP

The Ukrainian Ministry of Emergency plans to withdraw nuclear fuel from all reactors of the Chornobyl nuclear power plant by April 26, in line with the program of stopping the operation of the NPP.

      According to an UNIAN correspondent, Emergency Minister Volodymyr Shandra claimed this to a press conference in the Cabinet of Ministers today.

      “A plan of actions was worked out to stop the operation of the Chornobyl NPP. I guess as early as in April we will withdraw the last fuel elements from the plant’s reactors. Thus, by the 22rd anniversary of the catastrophe, all the reactors, except for the fourth, will be without any nuclear fuel. It will be a very serious step towards providing the security of the Chornobyl NPP”, V.Shandra said.

      The Minister also pointed out that in autumn of 2008, the building of a confinement over “Shelter” object will begin. “The financing of design works has already opened. I believe this autumn the design works will be completed, and the building will kick off”, he added.