Power supply restored at Chornobyl nuclear power plant after Russian massive strike
Illustrative photo: Power was restored at Chernobyl nuclear power plant (GettyImages)
On the night of January 20, 2026, Russian forces carried out a massive missile and drone attack on energy infrastructure hubs supplying electricity to facilities in the Chornobyl exclusion zone, according to Ukraine’s Ministry of Energy.
Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant is operating normally
As of this morning, all facilities of the State Specialized Enterprise Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, including the New Safe Confinement and spent nuclear fuel storage facilities, are receiving power from Ukraine's Unified Energy System.
Radiation levels at the industrial site and across the exclusion zone remain within safe limits. The plant has sufficient fuel reserves and fully operational backup power sources in case of renewed attacks.
There is no threat to the population
The Energy Ministry stressed that there is currently no direct threat to the population or the environment. Energy workers and Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant staff continue to monitor the situation closely.
Ukraine seeks urgent IAEA meeting
The Ministry of Energy emphasized that attacks on the electrical generation system supplying the Chornobyl plant constitute a gross violation of nuclear and radiation safety principles.
Ukraine is insisting on an emergency meeting of the IAEA Board of Governors to assess the consequences of Russia’s strikes on Ukraine’s energy system. This was previously agreed by First Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi.
Earlier today, the IAEA reported that after Russia’s large-scale attack on January 20, the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant had lost all external power supply.
Attack on Ukraine
On the night of January 20, Russian forces launched another massive combined attack on Ukraine, using attack drones and missiles of various types.
Explosions were reported in several regions. Critical infrastructure sites were hit, causing disruptions to electricity, heating, and water supply.
Residential buildings and vehicles were also damaged, with civilians reported injured.
In Kyiv, thousands of homes were left without heating after the overnight attack, with temperatures of minus 15°C.
Ukraine’s Air Force later reported how many enemy missiles and drones were intercepted by air defense systems.
It was also revealed that Russia used updated tactics during the overnight attack and the missiles that were manufactured in 2026.
More details on Russia’s combined attack on Ukraine can be found in the material by RBC-Ukraine.
