"The situation is critical": IAEA chief visits key substations vital for Ukraine's nuclear power plants

The press service of Ukrenergo, the state-owned electricity transmission operator in Ukraine, reported this information.

According to Minister of Energy Herman Halushchenko, IAEA experts had the opportunity to see firsthand the consequences of Russian attacks on substations in Ukraine and assess the damage. The official particularly emphasized the importance of Grossi’s personal visit to the energy facilities.

"These substations are part of the chain ensuring radiation and nuclear safety. That’s why it is very important that IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi is here in person today, that IAEA missions have already taken place multiple times and will continue in the future at these substations. The fact that this issue is being discussed at the highest international level, at IAEA meetings, is crucial. It is also vital that we continue to monitor these substations. What the Russians are doing—attacking substations critical for nuclear power generation—is true terror. It is essential that IAEA experts have access, see the destruction, and provide their assessments and official reports," Halushchenko stated.

For his part, Grossi noted:

"As we all know, a nuclear power plant generates electricity. But it also requires electricity for its own safe operation. When the plant does not receive power, its safety is jeopardized and could ultimately lead to an accident… We have visited nine substations that are critically important for the operation and safety of nuclear power plants. And, of course, the situation is quite critical."

Earlier, he wrote about his visit to the Kyivska substation on social media platform X.

"On my 11th visit to Ukraine since the war began, I’m heading to Kyivska substation, critical for the safety of Ukraine’s nuclear power, to assess damage and help prevent a nuclear accident," Grossi wrote.

He warned that instability in the power grid is an increasing threat, not just to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant but to all nuclear plants in Ukraine.

Grossi confirmed his visit to the plant, emphasizing its key role in Ukraine’s energy system, calling it "essential for nuclear safety."

"A nuclear accident can result from a direct attack on a plant, but also from power supply disruption. IAEA is here to assess impact, support, and help prevent that risk," he added.

Later, Grossi reported that he had already visited the electrical substation. He emphasized that this is an important part of Ukraine's power system, which is “crucial for nuclear safety.”

“A nuclear accident can result from a direct attack on a plant, but also from power supply disruption. The International Atomic Energy Agency is here to assess the impact, support and help prevent this risk,” he emphasized.

• As of Monday morning, February 3, emergency power shutdowns were in effect in several regions of Ukraine due to enemy shelling.