Following a Russian missile strike on the energy infrastructure of Slavutych, key facilities at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant—including the sarcophagus covering the destroyed fourth reactor—were left without electricity. The Ministry of Energy of Ukraine warns that the confinement structure, the main safety barrier at the plant, now faces the risk of losing its ability to contain radioactive materials.
A similar risk exists at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which has been operating on backup diesel generators since September 23 after losing its main power source. Fuel reserves are only sufficient to keep the plant running for another 10 days. The IAEA has noted the instability of this situation; a failure of backup systems could result in a nuclear fuel meltdown.
Ukrainian experts and journalists highlight that Russia's use of nuclear blackmail is now a central tool in its pressure campaign against both Ukraine and the West. Russia's current tactics extend beyond mere threats of nuclear weapon use, involving direct attacks on critical infrastructure and nuclear facilities, creating significant risks.
Such strikes, especially on cities that support nuclear power plants—such as Slavutych for Chernobyl—increase the threat of nuclear safety incidents. The consequences could affect not only Ukraine, but also European neighbors and Belarus. Rolling blackouts are being implemented in Chernihiv region after energy facilities were destroyed, and similar outages have been reported in Dnipro.
This stage of the war is marked by intensified Russian attacks on Ukraine's critical infrastructure ahead of winter. The concern is not only over heating loss, but also the potential for nuclear accidents. Experts suggest that these attacks may form one of the main vectors of Russian strategy this winter.
The threat extends to Russian territory itself should an accident occur at a Ukrainian nuclear plant, but Russian leadership seems to prioritize other interests. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of supporting Ukraine’s defenders and being prepared for continued risks to energy and nuclear security.
