Ukraine says Russia plans to target critical nuclear energy sites

Sybiha specified that the potential attacks could target open distribution systems at nuclear power plants and transmission substations, which are vital for the safe operation of nuclear energy.

"Strikes on these facilities pose a high risk of a nuclear incident with global consequences. Ukraine’s special services have already shared this information with our partners, and the IAEA has been informed," Sybiha stated.

He reminded the public that Russia is the only country to have seized a nuclear plant in Europe, using it as a tool for global blackmail.

"Ukraine's Peace Formula includes a provision for ensuring radiation and nuclear safety. We call on all international organizations and nations that respect the UN Charter to prevent the terrorist state’s scenario from unfolding," Sybiha said.

Ukraine’s foreign minister also thanked the IAEA for expanding its missions to several of Ukraine's energy facilities.

"We ask the Agency, partner countries, and other organizations to swiftly implement the agreements and ensure the continuous and expanded presence of missions at all relevant facilities," he added.

Agreement on expanded IAEA presence in Ukraine

On Sep. 5, Oleg Korikov, head of the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine, announced that the IAEA had agreed to expand its presence in Ukraine. This extended monitoring includes electrical substations critical to nuclear power plants’ safety, ensuring the distribution of electricity and, if necessary, providing external power to the plants.

In a report published on Sep. 5, the IAEA mentioned that its team at the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) heard "the sounds of drones and gunfire" on the morning of Sep. 27. Both Khmelnytskyi NPP and the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate informed the IAEA that Russian drones had flown several kilometers from the plant.

Additionally, IAEA teams stationed at the Rivne and South Ukraine NPPs, as well as at the Chornobyl site, reported that these facilities had "not yet restored connections to all external power lines" following a massive Russian strike on Aug. 26.

On Sep. 9, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stated that as long as there are security threats to the temporarily occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), the reactors must remain in a state of "cold shutdown."

He emphasized that the situation at ZNPP remains unstable due to regular explosions, drone attacks, shelling, and frequent disruptions to external power supplies, which increase the risk of a nuclear accident.

On Sep. 12, IAEA staff visited an electrical substation in Ukraine for the first time, marking it as critical for the safe operation of nuclear plants.

"Assessing the condition of substations is a key part of our work in Ukraine, as the safety of NPP operations depends on stable grid connections. In recent weeks and months, the situation in this regard has become increasingly unstable. As nuclear safety experts, it is essential for us to obtain first-hand information on the status of these substations," Grossi said.

On Sep. 20, during its 68th session, the IAEA General Conference passed a resolution with 65 votes calling for Russia to immediately withdraw from ZNPP and return the plant to Ukraine’s control.