Russia targets substation critical to Ukraine's Khmelnytskyi nuclear plant
Russia directed three drones at a substation critical to the stable operation of the Khmelnytskyi nuclear power plant during a large-scale attack on Ukraine. The broader assault targeted energy infrastructure, disrupted electricity supplies, and prompted emergency restrictions in several regions and Kyiv.
Key points
- Three drones were directed at the substation serving the Khmelnytskyi nuclear power plant
- Russia used 289 drones, 17 ballistic missiles and 59 cruise missiles
- Energy facilities were the primary targets of the attack
- Ukraine notified the International Atomic Energy Agency about the attack
- Emergency electricity restrictions were imposed in several regions and Kyiv
- Electric transport was suspended and warming points opened in Kyiv
Why it matters
The attack threatens the stable operation of the Khmelnytskyi nuclear power plant and raises nuclear-safety concerns for Ukraine and Europe. It was also part of a major assault on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, disrupting electricity supplies and requiring emergency restrictions.
What happened
During a large-scale drone and missile attack on Ukraine, Russia directed three drones at a substation critical to the Khmelnytskyi nuclear power plant. The wider attack used 289 drones, 17 ballistic missiles and 59 cruise missiles, with energy facilities among its primary targets. Ukraine notified the International Atomic Energy Agency and introduced emergency electricity restrictions in several regions and Kyiv. In the capital, electric transport was suspended and warming points were opened in the districts facing the worst power disruptions.
How Ukrainian sources describe it
Ukrainian coverage emphasizes the danger to the Khmelnytskyi nuclear power plant, the impact on the national electricity supply and the notification to the International Atomic Energy Agency. Kyiv also expects international partners to respond to the escalation of attacks on infrastructure supporting the stable operation of Ukrainian nuclear power plants.
Background
Ukrainian authorities had previously reported that Russia planned to attack substations serving nuclear power plants during the previous winter. The broader assault on energy infrastructure disrupted electricity supplies, suspended electric transport in Kyiv and prompted the opening of warming points in the city's hardest-hit districts.