The International Atomic Energy Agency reported that on October 30, Russian attacks damaged electrical substations that are critical to nuclear safety in Ukraine. According to IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, the strikes disrupted external power supplies to several nuclear power plants.
Following the attacks, the South Ukraine and Khmelnitsky nuclear power plants lost access to one of their off-site power lines. At the Rivne Nuclear Power Plant, the grid operator was forced to reduce the output of two of the plant’s four units to stabilize the system. The IAEA team stationed at Khmelnitsky had to shelter for several hours due to the risk of further strikes.
“The threats to nuclear safety remain very real and constant. I once again call for maximum military restraint near nuclear facilities and for full respect of the seven indispensable pillars of nuclear safety and security,” Grossi said.
He also noted that repair work continues at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant, where the 330 kV Ferosplavna-1 power line remains damaged. Its restoration is crucial to stabilize the plant’s energy supply, which in October operated for nearly a month on emergency diesel generators.
The IAEA continues to implement its assistance programs for Ukraine, delivering monitoring equipment, medical supplies, and technical support to nuclear sites and hospitals serving plant personnel. The total value of assistance has exceeded €20 million, funded by the governments of Italy, Japan, and Sweden.