This is the first deliberate attack on substations since 13 December 2024 – IAEA must immediately deploy missions to protect sub-stations
Russians are raising the nuclear stakes by once again deliberately targeting electricity sub stations that are critical for the safety of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants. On the night of 29 and morning of 30 October, Russian military strikes against Ukraine led to the loss of one external power line at both the South Ukraine and Khmelnitsky nuclear reactors. Two of the four reactors at Rivne were moved to reduced power at the request of the grid operator.
During 2024 Russia launched attacks against nuclear critical substations, but after agreement with the government of Ukraine, and support from the international community, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) finally sent mission teams to inspect multiple substations across Ukraine. After the latest attacks repair crews are currently working around the clock to restore electricity supply as quickly as possible. Despite the damage inflicted by Russia, nuclear safety systems remain stable, and operators continue maintaining grid stability under extremely challenging conditions.
“This is the first deliberate attack on substations essential to the safety of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants since 13 December 2024. It is another outrageous war crime by Russia that must be stopped immediately. Its clear that again Russia is determined to create a severe nuclear risk to achieve its war aims. The international community and the IAEA must act with urgency and stop this madness,” said Shaun Burnie, nuclear specialist at Greenpeace Ukraine.
Following three massive Russian missile and drone attacks this month, scheduled power cuts are in effect across all regions today along with power consumption limits for industrial users.In September 2025, the Russian military deliberately sabotaged the electricity lines at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.
International support for Ukraine at this time is critical. Less than a week ago, the German Minister of Economics and Energy, visited one of the high-voltage substations of Ukrenergo, Ukraine’s grid operator. Together with the heads of NPC Ukrenergo and the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine, the delegation inspected damage at the substation by recent Russian shelling, and assessed the condition of the equipment that was previously installed with German donor assistance.
“We know Russia has complete disregard for nuclear safety and security. They must be stopped by all means, including by punitive sanctions against Russia’s nuclear industry. The international community must further increase support for Ukraine to protect its electricity and energy system. The IAEA must act immediately and deploy mission teams to Ukraine’s nuclear critical substations and prevent these attacks by Russia,” said Jan Vande Putte, radiation and nuclear specialist at Greenpeace Ukraine.
A Greenpeace Ukraine assessment in October 2024 warned of severe consequences for nuclear safety if the Russian attacks on the electricity system of Ukraine were not stopped. At the time Greenpeace called on IAEA Director General Grossi to immediately deploy personnel to the substations to prevent Russian attacks.
