Five of nine Ukrainian nuclear reactors lower output amid Russian latest attack – IAEA

Ukraine now operates the Khmelnytskyi, Rivne, and South Ukraine nuclear power plants, having nine reactors in total. At the beginning of December, eight of these were operational, with one reactor offline for maintenance.

Previously, most of these reactors had gradually resumed electricity production after a sharp reduction on Nov. 28, implemented as a precautionary measure in another Russian attack.

Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant, occupied by Russian forces at the start of the full-scale invasion, has not produced electricity for over two years. All six of its reactors remain in cold shutdown.

Massive Russian strike on Ukraine on Dec. 13

Overnight, Russia targeted Ukraine with dozens of drones, followed by a morning missile barrage, including ballistic and cruise missiles, namely Kalibr and Kh-101.  Strikes hit Odesa, Lviv, and Ivano-Frankivsk oblasts, causing widespread power outages, including in Ternopil Oblast, where 50% of consumers faced power cuts.

Ukrainian officials confirmed that the attacks were primarily aimed at the country’s energy infrastructure.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called for 20 additional air defense systems from international partners to bolster Ukraine’s protection.

U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink condemned the strikes, describing them as a "barrage of ballistic missiles" targeting critical infrastructure, including energy and transport networks.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the strike as one of the most extensive attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

Russia launched 94 missiles and 193 drones in its assault, Air Force reported.

Ukrainian air defense forces successfully intercepted 81 missiles and 80 drones.