Ukraine Restores Power to Chornobyl Nuclear Plant After Russian Missile and Drone Strikes

Ukraine has restored full power supply to the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant after a nighttime Russian missile and drone attack targeted energy hubs supplying the exclusion zone, the Ukrainian Ministry of Energy reported on January 20.

According to the ministry, the overnight strike on January 20 hit critical energy infrastructure that feeds facilities in the Chornobyl zone. Despite the attack, all facilities of the Chornobyl plant—including the New Safe Confinement and spent nuclear fuel storage sites—are now operating on power from Ukraine’s integrated energy system in normal mode.

Radiation levels at the industrial site and across the exclusion zone remain within controlled limits, and there is no immediate threat to the population or the environment.

The ministry said the plant has sufficient fuel reserves and fully functional backup power systems in case of further attacks, while energy workers and station staff continue enhanced monitoring.

“This is a gross and cynical violation of all fundamental principles of nuclear and radiation safety. By creating risks of power outages at Chornobyl facilities, the enemy is threatening the safety not only of Ukraine, but of the entire European continent,” the ministry wrote.

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The Ukrainian Ministry of Energy also called for an extraordinary meeting of the governing board of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to assess the consequences of Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy system. The proposal follows an agreement between First Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi.

The ministry recalled that a previous Russian strike on October 1, 2025 temporarily cut power to the Chornobyl site for about three hours, leaving the New Safe Confinement and spent fuel storage without electricity until supply was restored the same evening. Radiation levels at that time also remained within safe limits.

Previously, it was reported that several Ukrainian electrical substations critical to nuclear safety were damaged during Russian strikes, leaving the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant completely without external power.

“Several Ukrainian electrical substations vital for nuclear safety were affected by widespread military activity this morning,” IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said

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