Ukraine has reduced electricity production at two of its major nuclear power plants after a key electrical substation was damaged during a Russian Missile Strike on the night of November 7. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed these details on November 17. The two affected plants—Khmelnytskyi and Rivne—play a huge role in powering homes, hospitals, factories, and public services across the country.
Missile Strike Triggers Sudden Drop in Nuclear Output
When the Missile Strike hit the substation, one of the two main 750 kV transmission lines went offline, forcing Ukraine’s energy operator to cut nuclear output to avoid overloading the weakened grid.
A substation may look simple, but it plays a crucial role in any power system. It lowers high-voltage electricity to safe levels and, for nuclear plants, keeps cooling and safety systems running nonstop.
The IAEA says these substations are essential for nuclear safety. When a Missile Strike damages even part of this system, it can cause serious problems for reactor operations.
Technicians restored one of the damaged lines, improving stability, but the second line remains offline. Because of this, three reactors are working at reduced capacity to prevent further strain on the grid.
The Missile Strike has increased pressure on Ukraine’s already stressed energy system, which has faced repeated missile and drone attacks. Each strike weakens the grid, making power production and delivery more difficult.
How the Substation Damage Affects Nuclear Safety
The Missile Strike that damaged the substation has created serious safety concerns for Ukraine’s nuclear plants. The destroyed equipment was part of a main connection linking the plants to the national power grid, and losing one of these routes is a major setback.
Nuclear plants do not only produce electricity—they also rely on it. They need steady outside power to run pumps, sensors, and cooling systems. If this power is lost, they must switch to backup generators, which are strong but not meant for long-term use.
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With only one major transmission line still working, the plants must reduce output to avoid overloading the remaining line. One line has been repaired, but the second is still offline, leaving the grid with reduced safety margins. Engineers are monitoring the situation closely.
This is not the first time a Missile Strike has affected nuclear support systems. Earlier attacks also caused temporary disconnections and forced emergency actions. The IAEA says substations are vital for nuclear safety, and the latest Missile Strike shows how important it is to protect them.
At present, three reactors at the two nuclear sites are operating at limited capacity to lower the risk of further grid problems while repairs continue.
Ukraine Seeks Urgent International Response After Missile Strike Impact
After the Missile Strike caused this major disruption, Ukraine requested an urgent meeting of the IAEA Board of Governors. The goal is to discuss the dangers created by repeated attacks on infrastructure connected to nuclear power plants.
Officials in Ukraine have warned that attacks on energy facilities linked to nuclear sites create serious risks for both the country and the wider region. While the reactors were not directly hit, damaging the systems that support them still poses major safety challenges.
The latest Missile Strike targeted infrastructure that serves both the Khmelnytskyi and Rivne nuclear power plants. This incident has brought renewed focus to how closely electricity security and nuclear safety are connected.
The IAEA continues to monitor the situation closely. Its experts regularly visit nuclear plants and nearby infrastructure to check the conditions, review safety measures, and gather independent information.
At the moment, only one major transmission line is fully functional, three reactors remain at reduced output, and repair teams are working to fix the remaining damage caused by the Missile Strike. The situation remains delicate as Ukraine works to stabilize its power grid after the attack.
