Strategies and recommendations for radiation surveys in conflict-affected areas: a Ukrainian case study

The 2022 radiation survey campaign in the Kyiv region aimed to assess radiation levels in areas previously occupied by Russian troops, focusing on territories where contamination might be suspected due to military activity in the Chornobyl exclusion zone. The planning and execution of radiation survey in areas affected by military occupation required careful consideration of numerous factors, including access restrictions, potential contamination, and the safety of personnel and residents. While some of the challenges and difficulties were overcome in the course of the radiation survey, the others could not be addressed immediately. All the lessons learned, measures taken, problems encountered and possible solutions are shared in this paper as recommendations for organisational, instrumental, personnel and communication aspects to be considered during the future surveys in further liberated territories. In cases where facilities are severely damaged, a conservative approach should be adopted, assuming the loss or damage of radiation sources unless proven otherwise. The use of robust and reliable measurement equipment is essential. Additionally, teams should be trained to handle the specific hazards of conflict zones, including mine safety, trauma care, and navigating challenging terrain. The psychological resilience of team members is crucial, as exposure to traumatic evidence of violence may impact their capabilities. The survey methodology should prioritisein situmeasurements over sample collection, given the probable logistical challenges of transporting samples to the laboratory. For food and water sampling, this should only be carried out in cases of immediate contamination risk. Finally, transparent communication with the public and relevant stakeholders is essential. The survey results should be shared openly to reduce public concerns and ensure trust in the safety measures taken. Communication campaigns should be based on reliable, fact-based information, emphasizing the credibility of survey results, and fostering cooperation between different stakeholders involved in radiation safety. The major limitation for providing recommendations on radiation surveys in the territories affected by the hostile military occupation of Ukrainian territory is a great uncertainty about when and how exactly the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine will be liberated, and what social and economic situation will be in these territories.