At a critical time for Ukraine’s energy sector which has been under continuous attack since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, and in response to the intelligence reports on potential Russian strikes against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, on 23 January 2026, First Vice Prime Minister – Minister of Energy of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi held a joint virtual meeting with participation of the heads of Ukrainian nuclear power plants and the leaders of IAEA missions deployed at these facilities. The meeting focused on assessing threats to nuclear safety, coordinating protective measures, and strengthening cooperation in the context of ongoing Russian aggression.
During the meeting, the Minister of Energy expressed gratitude to the IAEA for inspections at Ukrainian NPPs, constructive dialogue, and systematic support, as well as expressed hope for continued close cooperation and the Agency’s leadership in ensuring compliance with international nuclear safety requirements.
Speaking from the IAEA Headquarters in Vienna, Director General Rafael Grossi reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to Ukraine’s nuclear safety in Ukraine and announced preparations for a report on the impact of the war on nuclear power plants, as well as a new mission, including to the Zaporizhzhia NPP.
In his report, Director General of Chornobyl NPP, Serhii Tarakanov outlined the vulnerabilities of the site on the eve of the 40th anniversary of the 1986 Chornobyl Disaster. He emphasized that although current radiation levels remain within normal values and the plant has sufficient diesel fuel reserves for two weeks, the real threat is not limited to the loss of power supply. Potential missile strikes on the plant’s structures could lead to nuclear accidents, overheating of fuel, release of radioactive materials, or even collapse of the Shelter Object, resulting in the dispersion of transuranic elements into the atmosphere.
“Constant attacks on the electric grid, tie substations, and the passage of drones and missiles through the Chornobyl exclusion zone constitute acts of nuclear terrorism as defined by international conventions. This gives the Agency grounds not only to monitor the situation but also to take decisive action. We call for raising before the IAEA Board of Governors the issue of Russia’s complete international isolation and the suspension of its rights as a Member State whose actions pose a threat of a global catastrophe directly contradicting the very purpose of the IAEA. We also urge the IAEA to report Russia’s violations of safety norms to the UN Security Council and the UN General Assembly and to initiate the imposition of appropriate sanctions. Humanity will not forgive the nuclear industry another Chornobyl”, Serhii Tarakanov stated.
This meeting may accelerate IAEA initiatives aimed at enhanced monitoring and resilience of Ukraine’s energy grid and underscores the urgent need for global intervention to prevent a nuclear crisis.
At Ukraine’s request, a meeting of the IAEA Board of Governors will take place in late January 2026.
