Headlines
IAEA says Ukraine's Chornobyl nuclear plant lost all off-site power on Tuesday
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on January 20, 2026
1 min readLast updated: January 20, 2026
Quick Summary
Chornobyl nuclear plant lost power amid military strikes, raising IAEA concerns over nuclear safety as Russia's attack impacts Kyiv's infrastructure.
Chornobyl Nuclear Plant Loses Off-Site Power Amid Military Strikes
Impact of Military Activity on Nuclear Safety
Jan 20 (Reuters) - Ukraine's Chornobyl nuclear power plant, site of the world's worst civil nuclear catastrophe, lost all off-site power following widespread military activity on Tuesday morning, the UN atomic watchdog said in a post on X.
IAEA's Concerns
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said that several Ukrainian electrical substations vital for nuclear safety were affected by the military activity, while power lines to some other nuclear power plants were also impacted.
Details of the Attack
Russia launched a combined drone and missile attack on Ukraine early on Tuesday, knocking out power and heating supplies to thousands of apartment buildings in Kyiv amid freezing temperatures, Ukrainian officials said.
Effects on Kyiv Residents
(Reporting by Shubham Kalia in Bengaluru; Editing by Louise Heavens)
Key Takeaways
- •Chornobyl nuclear plant lost all off-site power.
- •IAEA raised concerns about nuclear safety.
- •Military strikes affected Ukrainian electrical substations.
- •Russia's attack disrupted power and heating in Kyiv.
- •IAEA monitors the situation closely.
Frequently Asked Questions about IAEA says Ukraine's Chornobyl nuclear plant lost all off-site power on Tuesday
1What is off-site power?
Off-site power refers to electricity supplied from external sources to facilities like nuclear power plants, which is crucial for their safe operation. A loss of off-site power can lead to safety concerns.
2What is the IAEA?
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is an international organization that promotes the peaceful use of nuclear energy and aims to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons.
3What are electrical substations?
Electrical substations are facilities that transform voltage from high to low or vice versa, enabling the distribution of electricity to consumers. They are critical for maintaining power supply.
4What is nuclear safety?
Nuclear safety encompasses the measures and protocols in place to prevent accidents and ensure the safe operation of nuclear facilities, protecting both people and the environment.
5What is military activity?
Military activity refers to operations conducted by armed forces, which can include training, combat, and logistical support. Such activities can impact civilian infrastructure and safety.
