Russia missile strikes force Ukraine nuclear plants offline amid safety fears

Ukraine’s energy and nuclear safety systems have come under severe strain after a major Russian missile and drone attack struck critical power infrastructure, forcing all nuclear power plants in Kyiv-controlled territory to halt electricity generation and triggering urgent international warnings.

The February 7 assault damaged high-voltage substations supplying nuclear facilities, destabilising the national grid. The International Atomic Energy Agency said the disruption compromised nuclear safety, with one reactor shutting down automatically and others reducing output due to grid instability. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi called for military restraint, warning of potentially dangerous consequences.

Nuclear terrorism

The attack targeted infrastructure across eight regions as Ukraine faces a deep freeze, with temperatures in Kyiv forecast to fall to minus 19 degrees Celsius. Emergency power outages have been introduced nationwide, while energy companies report extensive damage to thermal power plants.

President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the strikes as nuclear terrorism and called for a global response. The IAEA also confirmed a recent loss of off-site power at the Chornobyl site, raising concerns that continued attacks on energy infrastructure could increase nuclear risks beyond Ukraine’s borders.