Ukraine’s energy system is at an “increased risk of catastrophic failure”: on Sunday, Russia struck Ukraine’s nuclear substations

On Sunday, Russia struck nuclear substations, putting Ukraine’s energy system at “increased risk of catastrophic failure.”

This was reported by Greenpeace, as cited by The Guardian.

The damaged substations are “critical for the operation of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants,” and there is a possibility that “reactors could lose power and become unsafe.”

Official Ukrainian sources have acknowledged Greenpeace’s technical analysis of the crisis.

The main power lines from four substations to three nuclear power plants have been severed, and a “loud explosion” was heard at the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant. Two power lines in Rivne were rendered inoperable, and the capacity of six out of nine operational nuclear reactors across three sites was reduced.

In the event of a power outage at Ukrainian reactors, there are diesel generators and battery systems capable of supplying essential power for seven to ten days, given available fuel reserves. However, if fuel supply or power restoration fails, the consequences could lead to a nuclear disaster.

Previously, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that after the attack, Ukraine shut down seven out of nine operational nuclear reactors.

At the same time, official confirmation of strikes on the substations has not been provided.