Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has alleged that specialists from Russia’s state-owned nuclear energy corporation, Rosatom, coordinated recent drone and missile strikes. These attacks targeted substations linked to Ukrainian nuclear power plants (NPPs).
Occurring on the night of October 30th, the strikes reportedly damaged critical infrastructure. This infrastructure is essential for the safe operation of these facilities, raising significant concerns regarding nuclear safety in the region.
Allegations of Rosatom Involvement
Sybiha’s allegations highlight an asserted escalation in targeting critical civilian infrastructure, particularly within the nuclear sector. Via social media, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that such precise attacks on nuclear infrastructure could not have been carried out without specialized assistance from Rosatom personnel. This claim emerges amidst ongoing international scrutiny of nuclear safety in Ukraine since the beginning of the conflict. The ongoing conflict has seen Russian forces refine their drone attack tactics, further complicating the security landscape.
IAEA Confirms Damage and Risks
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed the damage to the substations. They noted that these incidents impact the secure functioning of Ukrainian nuclear energy facilities. Specifically, the South Ukraine, Khmelnytskyi, and Rivne NPPs experienced disruptions.
These disruptions included the loss of access to at least one of their external power lines. Gazeta.ua reported on the IAEA’s findings, emphasizing the vulnerability of NPPs to disruptions in off-site power.
The Role of Substations in Nuclear Safety
Substations are critical for providing external power to nuclear power plants. This power is necessary for cooling reactor cores, managing spent fuel, and maintaining other essential safety systems. Damage to these external power lines can force reliance on backup power sources, which increases operational risks.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi has repeatedly stressed that nuclear safety risks in Ukraine remain significant. This sentiment is echoed by the recent confirmation of substation damage, highlighting persistent challenges.
International Call to Action
Minister Sybiha condemned these actions. He described them as a threat to the nuclear security of the European continent and a violation of international law. He has urged the international community to adopt a firm stance.
Sybiha advocates for an end to any cooperation with Russia in the nuclear energy sector and calls for imposing sanctions against Rosatom. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges to maintaining nuclear safety and security in conflict zones.