IAEA chief warns of risk of nuclear accident in Ukraine due to Russian attacks

Consequences of Russian attacks on the Kyiv substation «» . Photo: Raphael Grossi

Russia's attacks on Ukraine's energy system pose a risk of a nuclear accident due to a possible power outage at nuclear power plants. Such a failure could occur due to attacks on important substations.

This was stated by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi.

He published photos from the inspection of the Kyiv substation, where he was with the Minister of Energy of Ukraine Herman Halushchenko.

«I am at the Kyiv power substation, an important part of Ukraine's power system that is crucial for nuclear safety. A nuclear accident could occur as a result of a direct attack on the plant, as well as a power outage. The IAEA is here to assess the impact, support and help prevent this risk», he said.

Rafael Grossi during a visit to the Kyiv substation. Photo: Raphaël Grossi

Rafael Grossi and Herman Halushchenko during a visit to the Kyiv substation. Photo: Raphaël Grossi

In his turn, Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko stressed the importance of the IAEA monitoring the condition of substations.

«That is why it is very important that Rafael (IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi) is here today in person, that there are IAEA missions that have already taken place several times and will continue to take place at these substations, that the level of discussion of this issue is at the highest level in the world, at IAEA meetings, it is very important that we continue to monitor these substations, he said.

As a reminder, in December 2024, in three months, Ukraine recorded more than 120 cases when Russian missiles or drones flew over or near nuclear facilities, posing a threat to these facilities.