Russia hits substation critical for nuclear power plant in biggest mass attack on Ukraine's energy this year

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Russia Strikes Substation Critical for Nuclear Power Plant in Mass Attack

   Russia unleashed the largest mass attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure of the year, deploying ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, jet-powered drones, and propeller-powered drones overnight. The assault knocked three thermal power plants out of action and hit a critical substation supporting the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant, causing blackouts in regions including Kovel and Kyiv. Energy officials and government leaders warned the strikes threaten nuclear safety and aim to fracture the national power grid, isolating major urban centers.

   Why it matters

   The widespread aerial bombardment represents an escalation in Moscow's strategy to systematically dismantle Ukraine's power generation capacity before upcoming diplomatic talks. By targeting nuclear-linked infrastructure and thermal generation plants simultaneously, the campaign deepens civilian hardship and heightens regional nuclear safety concerns. Ukrainian authorities have notified the International Atomic Energy Agency regarding the direct threats to atomic plant operations.

   What is confirmed

   • Russia launched its biggest mass attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure of the year using ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, jet-powered drones, and propeller-powered drones.
   • The overnight bombardment put three thermal power plants out of action.
   • A Russian strike hit a critical substation supporting the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant.
   • Ukrainian Minister of Energy Denys Shmyhal stated that Kyiv has alerted the International Atomic Energy Agency about the substation attack.
   • Attacks on critical infrastructure caused power outages in Kyiv and a blackout in Kovel where the water utility switched to backup power.

   What to watch next

   • Assessments from the International Atomic Energy Agency regarding the nuclear safety risks at the Khmelnytskyi facility
   • Further reports on restoration efforts for the three disabled thermal power plants and regional power grids
   • Developments surrounding the scheduled Abu Dhabi talks and diplomatic engagements involving Moscow and Kyiv
   Sources used for this update (20)

   1. kyivindependent.com — Russia unleashes biggest mass attack on Ukraine's energy this ...
   2. Financial Times — Russia unleashes massive attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure
   3. Reuters — Russia bombards Ukraine power grid before Abu Dhabi talks; Merz urges Moscow to engage
   4. Українська правда — Russia puts three thermal power plants out of action overnight
   5. The Kyiv Independent — Russia hits substation critical for nuclear power plant in biggest mass attack on Ukraine's energy this year
   6. Bloomberg.com — Russia Hits Ukraine With Massive Air Strikes on US Election Day
   7. shelter.in.ua — A Russian attack caused a blackout in Kovel: the water utility switched to backup power
   8. The New Voice of Ukraine — Russia aims to fracture Ukraine’s power grid, isolating Kyiv, Dnipro, Odesa
   9. Yahoo — Putin Busted Plotting Massive Election Day Blitz
   10. Institute for the Study of War — Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, November 3, 2026
   11. www.yahoo.com — Ukraine war latest: Russia launches biggest mass attack on ...
   12. Sky News — Melania Trump to host Ukraine-Russia meeting at White House
   confidence 95%