During shelling on August 26, Russia disrupted operation of two Ukrainian NPPs — IAEA

During the missile and drone attack on Ukraine on August 26, Russia aimed to disrupt the operation of two Ukrainian nuclear power plants. The consequences of the shelling were felt at South Ukrainian NPP and Rivne NPP.

This information was reported by the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the International Organisations in Vienna to the IAEA in an official note.

It was noted that at 8:58 a.m. on 26 August, three power units of the Rivne NPP—units 1, 3, and 4—were shut down. Additionally, at 5:05 p.m., one power unit of the South Ukrainian NPP shut down. This happened due to fluctuations in the system caused by the Russian attack.

Russian Attack on 26 August

In the morning, the Russians launched a massive attack on Ukraine using kamikaze drones and missiles of various types. Their primary targets were energy facilities. Energy infrastructure in 15 regions was hit, including two power facilities in Kyiv Region. One of these facilities is the Kyiv hydroelectric power station.

According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, some of the facilities were attacked with cluster munitions, meaning they must first be cleared of mines before any repairs can be made.

A drone strike in Lutsk killed one person and destroyed a high-rise building, leaving the city without electricity or water supply.

The Russians also attacked an energy facility in Zaporizhzhia, Southern Ukraine.

Additionally, one person was reported dead in Dnipro Region, Central Ukraine, and a woman was killed in Zhytomyr Region, Northern Ukraine.

As a result of the missile attack, Khmelnytsky and the surrounding settlements of the Khmelnytsky community, Western Ukraine were left without electricity. Private houses were also damaged. This was the fourth attack on the area. The residents complain they are not receiving material assistance from the authorities.

In total, during this attack, the Russians launched 236 aerial targets at Ukraine. These include 127 missiles and 109 drones. The Air Force shot down 102 missiles and 99 attack drones.

It is not yet known how the shelling of Ukraine on 26 August will affect the electricity supply situation or whether there will be a return to hourly blackout schedules. Earlier, Ukrenergo resumed selling electricity abroad as the situation in the power system stabilized. It is also unknown whether such exports will continue. However, energy expert Hennadiy Ryabtsev predicted on Hromadske Radio that the shelling would not lead to blackouts.