Ukraine's Nuclear Plants Face Risks Amid Ongoing Conflict

Regional coverage from Ukraine and nearby focuses on nuclear power as essential for keeping the country’s lights on and industry running under bombardment. Ukrainian outlets echo Zelenskyy’s accusation that Russia is bringing the world close to another man-made disaster and stress the daily strain on plant workers operating under threat of attack. They expect Kyiv to keep demanding stronger IAEA involvement, more air defenses around nuclear sites and international recognition of Russia’s actions as nuclear blackmail.

• •Ukrainian nuclear plants supply a large share of the country’s electricity and are central to wartime resilience.
• •Russian missile and drone strikes on energy infrastructure increase the risk that reactors could lose external power.
• •Ukrainian officials describe Russia’s behavior around Chornobyl and other plants as nuclear terrorism and blackmail.
• •Kyiv is asking partners for more air defense systems specifically to shield nuclear facilities and grid nodes.
• •Ukrainian authorities want international bodies to formally condemn attacks that endanger nuclear safety.