Kyiv Seeks IAEA Action After Russian Strikes on Nuclear Power Supply Lines

Ukraine called on the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Monday to urgently convene its Board of Governors after a massive Russian missile strike severely damaged the country’s energy infrastructure.

Deputy Energy Minister Mykola Kolesnyk said the situation in the power system remains critical after Russia fired 45 missiles and 458 drones on Saturday.

He called the barrage one of the most complex since the full-scale invasion began, saying Russia deliberately targeted key components of Ukraine’s energy network using intelligence data.

Kolesnyk said substations supplying the Khmelnytsky and Rivne nuclear power plants were hit, forcing nuclear facilities to temporarily reduce output to avoid accidents and large-scale blackouts.

“Russia is using intelligence data to hit the most vulnerable parts of our energy grid,” Kolesnyk said. “The goal is to destabilize the system ahead of winter.”

Ukraine’s Ministry of Energy said it remains in constant contact with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi and has officially asked the agency to convene its Board of Governors.

The goal, officials said, is to form mechanisms to prevent further Russian attacks on critical infrastructure and increase international pressure on nuclear and radiation safety.

Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk wrote on social media that “emergency power outages have been introduced in a number of regions,” adding that they would be lifted once the situation stabilizes.

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Russia Hits Key Naftogaz Facility in Kharkiv Region in Double-Tap Strike

Russian forces on Tuesday attacked a key Naftogaz facility in the Kharkiv region with drones and missiles in a double-tap strike aimed at both infrastructure and emergency responders. The attack came during a nationwide assault involving 729 drones and missiles, one of the largest in the ongoing war.

“Despite the enemy’s plans, Ukraine will have light and heat this winter,” she said.

Russia has stepped up attacks on Ukraine’s power grid in recent months, damaging natural gas facilities that produce much of the country’s heating fuel. Experts warn that Ukraine could face serious heating shortages in the coming winter.

At the same time, Ukraine has intensified strikes on Russian oil depots and refineries, aiming to disrupt Moscow’s energy exports and supply chains.