IAEA reacts to attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, avoids mentioning Russia

According to Grossi, most of Ukraine's operational nuclear reactors have once again reduced electricity output following the new strikes on the country's energy infrastructure. He noted that this underscores the ongoing risks to nuclear safety amid the military conflict.

“For the third time in less than a month, several units of the Khmelnytskyi, Rivne, and South Ukraine nuclear power plants (NPPs) lowered their power levels during widespread military activities in the country, while air raid alarms sounded at the three sites,” the IAEA chief said.

Grossi added that one of the IAEA missions deployed in Ukraine had to take shelter and reported hearing explosions at a medium distance from a nuclear power plant.

Additionally, the team at the South Ukraine NPP was informed that military objects flew approximately 300 meters from the facility.

“Our teams deployed in Ukraine have witnessed how the growing instability of Ukraine’s power infrastructure, as a result of frequent military attacks in recent months, is impacting the ability to safely operate the country’s nuclear power plants,” Grossi stated.

He explained that Ukraine’s operational nuclear power plants currently have nine reactor units, five of which reduced their output this morning based on instructions from the national energy grid operator. One of these units was temporarily disconnected from the grid.

Two other units were already operating below nominal capacity due to military strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure in late November.

Meanwhile, three of the affected units have since returned to full nominal capacity.

Grossi also emphasized that there were no reports of direct damage to nuclear power plants due to attacks or disruptions to the power grid. However, some transmission lines remain offline following the earlier strikes on November 28.

Massive shelling of Ukraine on December 13

On the morning of December 13, Russia launched one of its largest combined strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, deploying cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and drones.

As a result of the shelling, there are hits in the western regions, and power outage schedules have been intensified throughout Ukraine.

According to the Air Force of Ukraine, Russian forces used 94 missiles and 193 drones in the attack. Ukrainian air defense systems successfully intercepted 81 missiles and 80 drones.

Read more about the aftermath of the attack in RBC-Ukraine's report.