Three Ukrainian nuclear power plants – Khmelnytskyi, Rivne, and South Ukraine – lost connection to their high-voltage power lines after a massive Russian attack on November 19, resulting in a reduction of electricity production from four of the nine reactors. This is stated in an IAEA announcement regarding the situation in Ukraine from November 19.
"Both Khmelnytskyi and Rivne have already reduced their electricity output earlier this month due to military activities. Today, both facilities further decreased production after losing connection to one of their high-voltage transmission lines," the statement reads.
It is noted that IAEA teams stationed at these two nuclear plants were also forced to take shelter during morning air raid alerts.
"The country's third operational nuclear power plant, South Ukraine, also lost connection with its high-voltage line. The plant reported detecting 11 drones within a kilometer of the facility overnight," the statement adds.
According to the IAEA, four out of nine reactors reduced electricity production due to these Russian attacks, "which have further destabilized the power grid".
Furthermore, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stated that the Khmelnytskyi and Rivne nuclear plants have been operating at reduced capacity for nearly two weeks due to damage inflicted by Russian attacks on critical substations vital for nuclear safety.