The IAEA assessed damage to the key Ukrainian energy facilities

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has assessed the consequences of Russian attacks during November-December, which caused significant damage to substations which are critical to the operation of nuclear power plants. This affected both the transmission of electricity to consumers and the provision of power to the NPP units.

This was reported by the press service of the Ukrainian Ministry of Energy on Tuesday, December 24.

What is known about damage to Ukraine's energy infrastructure

"Russian attacks on civilian energy infrastructure, in particular key substations, pose a direct threat to the nuclear and radiation safety of all of Europe. The involvement of international experts is extremely important for recording the consequences of such attacks and reducing the risks of nuclear incidents during wartime," Ukrainian Minister of Energy, German Halushchenko said.

While working at the affected facilities, the IAEA experts, together with representatives of NPC "Ukrenergo", NNEGC "Energoatom", and the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine, documented the consequences of damage to substations. They also analysed the effectiveness of restoration work and assessed the throughput capacity of the damaged facilities.

The IAEA Board of Governors adopted a resolution at the initiative of Ukraine on the inadmissibility of Russian attacks on critical nuclear power plant infrastructure at an extraordinary session on December 12. However, on December 13, Russia launched a new massive attack on energy facilities, including substations, important for the stable operation of Ukraine's nuclear power plants.

As a reminder, the invaders attacked an IAEA convoy with drones on December 10, in Zaporizhzhia region.

Previously, the IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi reported on the condition and functioning of three operating nuclear power plants in Ukraine.