Ukraine is currently in talks with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to place foreign observers near its nuclear power plants. This comes amid reports that Russia is planning to attack the infrastructure connecting these plants to the country’s energy grid. According to an Energy Ministry official, President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Russia is targeting three power plants as part of its ongoing strategy to cripple Ukraine’s energy system.
While Zelensky did not specify which plants are at risk, Ukraine only has three operating nuclear facilities – Rivne and Khmelnytskyi in the west, and Pivdennoukrainsk in the south. The Chornobyl plant is decommissioned, and the Zaporizhzhia plant has been under Russian occupation since 2022. Yuliia Kyian, director general for Strategic Planning and European Integration at Ukraine’s Energy Ministry, reiterated this concern during a discussion on energy security in Kyiv on Oct. 2. She stated that Russia could target infrastructure, such as substations, that are connected to these plants.
To ensure nuclear and energy stability, Kyian suggested placing foreign observers near all of Ukraine’s power plants, although not directly inside them. This could help to safeguard these crucial assets and demonstrate to the world the importance of proper operation for nuclear safety and security. Kyian also emphasized that attacks on nuclear plants and infrastructure pose a threat to the entire world.
While Ukraine has some physical constructions in place to protect its energy facilities, they may not be enough to prevent damage from ballistic missiles. Additionally, Ukraine lacks air defense systems to fully shield against such attacks. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), nuclear power is Ukraine’s main source of energy, and damage to substations could disrupt the supply of electricity to the grid or compromise backup systems that ensure the safety of reactors.
In light of these concerns, Ukraine has proposed the idea of international observers to safeguard its energy sector, particularly as the country prepares for the winter season. Kyian stated that discussions are currently underway with the IAEA, the global agency for nuclear safety, and the EU. However, she did not disclose the status of these negotiations or the IAEA’s response. It is worth noting that since September 2022, the IAEA has had a mission at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, although Russian authorities still deny inspectors full access.
Overall, Ukraine’s efforts to protect its energy infrastructure are crucial, especially in the face of potential attacks from Russia. The country is taking proactive measures to ensure the safety and stability of its nuclear power plants, and international cooperation and support will be essential in achieving this goal.
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