'Sheltered in hotel': IAEA inspectors witness dozens of drones over nuclear plants in Ukraine
Photo: IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi (Getty Images)
IAEA inspectors were forced to take shelter during a Russian attack while inspecting Ukrainian energy facilities. In just one week, more than 50 drones were recorded near nuclear power plants, states IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, according to an official statement from the Agency.
Power grid strike and reactor shutdown
According to Grossi, last weekend’s military actions in Ukraine caused widespread power line outages.
This triggered voltage fluctuations, which led the safety system to automatically shut down one nuclear power unit, while other plants were forced to reduce output. The Chornobyl nuclear power plant survived for an hour solely thanks to diesel generators.
The IAEA Director General emphasized the critical nature of the situation.
"This latest grid event in Ukraine is a stark reminder of the ever-present risks to nuclear safety and security arising from deteriorating grid conditions. Extensive repairs are needed to improve the reliability of power supply to Ukrainian NPPs and to strengthen their resilience to further grid events," said Rafael Grossi.
Inspectors working under fire
Currently, IAEA experts are inspecting 10 substations that are critical for nuclear power generation.
"On Tuesday last week, the IAEA team at Rivne NPP sheltered at their hotel, while two drones were detected within the plant’s surveillance zone," emphasized the IAEA Director.
He added that the situation remains tense due to the ongoing activity of drones in the areas around the plants. Just last week, 44 drones were recorded near the Chornobyl nuclear power plant.
Nuclear threat
Russian strikes on Ukraine’s energy system have created new serious threats to the safety of operating nuclear power plants. Due to the risk of unstable electricity supply, the IAEA urgently convened an extraordinary meeting in Vienna.
A few weeks ago, Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence reported that Russia was considering strikes on strategic energy infrastructure — substations that support the operation of Ukrainian nuclear plants.
The Kremlin’s goal is to disconnect power units from the unified grid, leaving civilians without electricity and heating during the winter, in order to force Ukraine to accept surrender terms to end the war.
