Two nuclear power plant units were shut down during the Russian attack on August 26, Ukraine informs the IAEA

Ukraine has officially informed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) about Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure that disrupted the operation of nuclear power plants on August 26. The information was conveyed by a note verbale sent by the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the international organizations in Vienna on August 27, 2024.

According to the statement, on August 26, Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine's critical infrastructure and energy sector, which led to the disconnection of units 1, 3 and 4 of the Rivne Nuclear Power Plant from the grid at 08:58 a.m. EST. In addition, the output of the units of the South Ukraine Nuclear Power Plant was reduced to a total level of 1,800 MW at 09:05 a.m. EST.

“Due to fluctuations in the national power grid caused by the Russian attack, Unit 3 of the South Ukraine Nuclear Power Plant was disconnected from the grid at 17:10 (EEST), Ukraine informed.

The Permanent Mission of Ukraine stressed the deliberate nature of these attacks and stated:

“The Russian Federation continues to target Ukraine's energy infrastructure and intends to disrupt the operation of the country's nuclear power plants, which generate most of Ukraine's electricity.”

The statement highlighted the serious consequences of these attacks and warned: “pose a significant risk to the stable operation of nuclear facilities in Ukraine and the safety of millions of people.”

Ukraine has requested the IAEA Secretariat to forward this information to all IAEA Member States.

The IAEA acknowledged receipt of the Note Verbale on 27 August 2024 and distributed it as an Information Circular (INFCIRC/1242) dated 28 August 2024, making the information available to all Member States as requested by Ukraine.

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