Kyiv: Ukraine has strongly condemned a new series of attacks on power substations that supply electricity to its nuclear power plants, calling the strikes a dangerous act that threatens public safety and could lead to a major nuclear disaster.
According to Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Russian forces launched targeted strikes on several electrical facilities across the country, disrupting power lines connected to major nuclear stations. The government described these attacks as “nuclear terrorism,” warning that they could put millions of lives at risk if cooling or safety systems fail.
The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that power supplies to multiple nuclear sites were affected. External power lines were damaged near the South Ukraine and Khmelnitskyi nuclear power plants, while output at the Rivne plant had to be reduced for safety reasons.
Ukraine’s largest nuclear site, the Zaporizhzhia plant, remains under Russian control. The facility has suffered repeated power losses since the start of the war, often depending on backup diesel generators to keep safety systems running.
The latest strikes come as Ukraine braces for the winter season, with rising pressure on the country’s already strained energy grid. Power outages have become frequent in several regions after recent waves of missile and drone attacks on critical infrastructure.
International concern has grown following these incidents. G7 energy ministers have condemned the strikes and pledged continued support for Ukraine’s energy sector. The International Atomic Energy Agency has urged all parties to avoid any action that could compromise nuclear safety, warning that the repeated loss of external power greatly increases the risk of an accident.
Experts say that maintaining stable electricity supplies is crucial to prevent overheating and ensure reactor cooling. Without reliable external power, Ukraine’s nuclear facilities depend on emergency systems that are not meant for long-term use.
Ukraine has called on the international community to take stronger action, arguing that attacks on nuclear-related infrastructure should be treated as serious violations of international law.
The situation remains tense as repairs continue on damaged power lines, and authorities work to restore full electricity supply to the affected plants. Meanwhile, the International Atomic Energy Agency is closely monitoring the safety conditions and remains in contact with Ukrainian and Russian officials to prevent any escalation that could lead to a nuclear crisis.