Ukrainian nuclear power plants remain a key support for the country's power system, but they are under a new threat due to increased Russia's attacks on energy infrastructure. The IAEA declares a "huge risk" for nuclear security due to damage to NPP objects.
Russia has begun to strike the substations that ensure the functioning of nuclear power plants and the transfer of energy produced by them. During the last attack, objects related to three NPPs were affected, forcing operators to reduce the power of the reactors, and one of them even disconnect from the network.
This is the third attack of this type from the end of August, and it indicates a change in the priorities of the Russian strategy: from thermal and hydroelectric power plants to objects related to nuclear energy.
Despite the systematic shelling, the power system of Ukraine is still largely functioning due to NPPs that have not yet undergone direct aircraft blows. However, attacks at the NPP substations pose a threat to critically important reactors cooling systems.
"Ukraine's energy infrastructure is extremely vulnerable that it is a serious threat to nuclear security," said IAEA Director General Mariano Grossi.
Experts warn that infrastructure damage, which provides the reactors' cooling function can lead to melting nuclear fuel and large -scale radiation emission. According to Greenpeace Ukraine, such scenarios can have catastrophic consequences not only for Ukraine but also for neighboring countries and Europe as a whole.
- Increasing international pressure on Russia : the international community should respond strictly to actions that threaten nuclear security.
- Protection of NPP objects : It is necessary to strengthen security around energy -related energy facilities, as well as to provide reserve energy sources for cooling systems.
- IAEA Support enhancement : The organization may initiating additional monitoring and international assistance.
