The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said electrical substations “vital for nuclear safety” were affected by the massive Russian strike on Ukraine overnight into Tuesday, leading the Chernobyl nuclear power plant to lose all of its off-site power.
Other Ukrainian nuclear power plants were also impacted when their power lines were disrupted, the nuclear watchdog said.
“The IAEA is actively following developments in order to assess impact on nuclear safety,” Director General Rafael Grossi said in a statement.
The Ukrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha accused Russia of a “reckless” attack that imperiled nuclear safety.
“It is the use of nuclear risk as a tool of coercion,” Sybiha said in a post on X.
“Ukraine is intensifying its engagement with the IAEA. We call on the IAEA Board of Governors to react decisively and urgently convene a meeting of the Board of Governors and decide on the matter of Russia’s presence in the Board.
“Our position is that a terrorist state that deliberately creates nuclear safety risks has no place there.”
This is a developing article. Updates to follow.
The news cycle is loud. Algorithms push us to extremes. In the middle—where facts, ideas and progress live—there’s a void. At Newsweek, we fill it with fearless, fair and fiercely independent journalism.
Common ground isn’t just possible—it’s essential. Our readers reflect America’s diversity, united by a desire for thoughtful, unbiased news. Independent ratings confirm our approach: NewsGuard gives us 100/100 for reliability, and AllSides places us firmly in the political center.
In a polarized era, the center is dismissed as bland. Ours is different: The Courageous Center—it’s not “both sides,” it’s sharp, challenging and alive with ideas. We follow facts, not factions. If that sounds like the kind of journalism you want to see thrive, we need you.
When you become a Newsweek Member, you support a mission to keep the center strong and vibrant. Members enjoy:
Conventional Wisdom: Tracking political winds with clarity. Uncommon Knowledge: Deep dives into overlooked truths. Ad-free browsing and exclusive editor conversations.
Help keep the center courageous. Join today.
