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Ukraine's nuclear plants still work at limited capacity after Russian strikes
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 11, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 11, 2026
Quick Summary
Ukrainian nuclear plants are operating below capacity after Russian strikes, leading to energy shortages and reliance on EU imports.
Ukrainian Nuclear Plants Operating Below Capacity After Russian Attacks
Impact of Russian Strikes on Nuclear Energy
KYIV, Feb 11 (Reuters) - Ukrainian nuclear power plants, which cover two-thirds of the country's energy needs, are still unable to operate at full capacity after Russian attacks last week, the first deputy Ukrainian energy minister said on Wednesday.
Current Operational Status
Last week, Russia once again attacked Ukraine's power system, striking both thermal power plants and key electrical substations, forcing nuclear plants to cut power production.
Energy Supply Challenges
"Restoration is under way at both power stations and high-voltage substations, which supply power from nuclear power plants," Artem Nekrasov said in a televised statement.
Restoration Efforts
He said that restrictions on energy supplies continue to be in place across the country for both the population and businesses.
Ukraine operates three nuclear power plants with a total capacity of about 8 gigawatts, while the country needs around 18 gigawatts. Almost all thermal power plants, which before the war provided more than a third of consumption, have been destroyed or seriously damaged.
The shortfall in generation is covered by maximum possible imports from the EU, insignificant volumes from alternative energy sources, and large-scale blackouts for consumers.
(Reporting by Pavel Polityuk, Editing by William Maclean)
Key Takeaways
- •Ukrainian nuclear plants are operating below capacity after Russian attacks.
- •Restoration efforts are ongoing at power stations and substations.
- •Energy supply restrictions affect both the population and businesses.
- •Ukraine's energy shortfall is partially covered by EU imports.
- •Large-scale blackouts are occurring due to energy shortages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ukraine's nuclear plants still work at limited capacity after Russian strikes
1What is nuclear energy?
Nuclear energy is the energy released during nuclear reactions, particularly fission, where atomic nuclei split to release energy, which can be harnessed for electricity generation.
2What are thermal power plants?
Thermal power plants generate electricity by converting heat energy, usually from burning fossil fuels, into electrical energy through steam turbines.
3What is energy supply?
Energy supply refers to the provision of energy resources, such as electricity and fuels, to meet the demand of consumers and businesses.
