Ukraine Accuses Russia of Nuclear Power Sabotage

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry has condemned Russia for allegedly targeting substations vital for powering Ukraine's nuclear facilities. Such actions are labeled as 'nuclear terrorism'. The UN's nuclear agency reported military activities damaging these critical substations near South Ukraine and Khmelnitskyi plants, stirring tensions and safety concerns.

On Friday, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry condemned what it claims are Russian strikes on crucial substations vital for supplying power to the country's nuclear power stations. A ministry statement released late on Friday specified targeted attacks by Russia.

The ministry branded these deliberate strikes on civilian energy facilities, directly impacting nuclear plant safety, as 'nuclear terrorism', and a serious breach of international humanitarian law. This followed a disclosure from the U.N. nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, about military activities causing damage to essential substations in Ukraine.

The IAEA reported incidents affecting power access near South Ukraine and Khmelnitskyi plants, with a third station at Rivne cutting power at two reactors. Neither Russia nor Ukraine was identified as the perpetrator. The Zaporizhzhia plant remains a focal point of disputes, with its external power disrupted for weeks, fueling safety concerns.

(With inputs from agencies.)