Ukraine Warns of Nuclear Emergency Risk from Russian Strikes

Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko has warned that continued Russian airstrikes on Ukraine's power infrastructure could lead to a nuclear emergency at one of the three operational nuclear power plants under Kyiv's control. He highlighted that while there are thousands of substations, ten critical nodes linked to these plants are at risk, and their destruction could cause a blackout and a potential radiation crisis. The attacks are seen as a deliberate strategy by Russia to threaten nuclear safety, as substations are essential for maintaining a constant power supply to prevent overheating of reactor cores. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has responded by expanding its monitoring efforts in Ukraine, including a visit to the Kursk nuclear plant, to address the heightened risks caused by military operations near nuclear facilities. Ukraine and its allies have consistently denied Russian allegations of planning attacks on nuclear sites, emphasizing instead that Russia is endangering nuclear safety by using these facilities for military purposes. The situation remains precarious, posing significant concerns for nuclear security in the conflict zone.