Russia is considering strikes on power transmission substations that supply electricity to Ukrainian nuclear power plants, according to the Ukrainian Defense Intelligence, known as HUR.
“Within its pressure campaign, Moscow also plans to intensify intimidation of European countries and the West in general,” the HUR notes.
Disconnecting NPPs from the grid: scenario of total blackout for millions
By destroying or disabling these substations, Russia seeks to isolate nuclear units from Ukraine's unified power system. If successful, millions of civilians could be left without electricity, heating, or water during the harshest part of winter.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed the threat of such Russian plans.
"Every Russian strike on energy infrastructure in such extreme winter conditions weakens and undermines the efforts of key countries, including the US, to end this war," he says.
As of mid-January 2026, Russian forces have conducted reconnaissance of ten critical energy facilities across nine regions of Ukraine.
History of attacks and international alarm: IAEA monitors hybrid nuclear threats
Russia has already used similar tactics. On the night of 8 November 2025, Russian forces struck substations supplying electricity to the Khmelnytskyi and Rivne NPPs. On 30 October, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported damage to substations caused by the attacks.
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi noted that the strikes led to external power interruptions at multiple nuclear plants. Agency teams at Khmelnytskyi NPP had to temporarily relocate due to the risk of further strikes.
Moscow’s intentions to attack substations and disconnect NPPs highlight the genocidal nature of Russia’s war against Ukraine. They demonstrate that the aggressor continues to use energy infrastructure as a tool of pressure against both the civilian population and the international community.
