Kremlin preparing strikes on critical nuclear power facilities in Ukraine before winter
Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andriy Sybiha (Photo: RBC-Ukraine, Vitalii Nosach)
Russia is preparing strikes on Ukraine’s nuclear energy facilities ahead of winter, targeting equipment critical to safety, according to Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andriy Sybiha.
According to Sybiha, these potential attacks are expected to focus on the open switchgear of nuclear power plants and transmission substations, as these are critical for the safe operation of Ukraine's nuclear energy sector.
"Striking these facilities poses a high risk of a nuclear incident, which would have global consequences. Ukrainian intelligence has already passed this information to our partners. The IAEA has also been informed," Sybiha assured.
The head of Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry reminded that Russia is the only country to have seized a nuclear power plant in Europe, using it to blackmail the world.
"Ukraine's peace formula includes a provision for ensuring radiation and nuclear safety. We call on all international organizations and states that respect the UN Charter to prevent the scenario of a terrorist state. We are grateful to the IAEA for its decision to expand missions at several of Ukraine's energy facilities. We ask the Agency, partner countries, and other organizations to implement these agreements immediately. We also call for ensuring the permanent expanded presence of missions at all relevant facilities," the minister concluded.
Situation with nuclear power plants in Ukraine
In February 2022, during the large-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russian troops seized the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Since then, they have continually endangered the facility by mishandling its operation and storing equipment, ammunition, and even soldiers on its premises.
Moreover, Russian attacks on Ukraine pose ongoing threats to the safety of other nuclear power plants. For example, drones have flown dangerously close to the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant several times.
Recently, the IAEA adopted a resolution on nuclear safety in Ukraine. Russia has been urged to immediately de-occupy the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.
In addition, the IAEA will expand its monitoring missions in Ukraine. Observers will be sent to infrastructure facilities that affect the safety of nuclear power plants.
