The Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant continues to receive power from Ukraine’s unified grid as normal, despite a nighttime Russian attack on the energy nodes that power the exclusion zone.
The update was provided by Ukraine's Ministry of Energy.
On the night of January 20, 2026, Russian forces launched a massive combined missile and drone strike on energy infrastructure. Thanks to the efforts of power engineers, all critical facilities at the Chernobyl NPP—including the New Safe Confinement and spent nuclear fuel storage facilities—remain powered.
Radiation levels at the industrial site and within the exclusion zone remain within normal limits. The station is also equipped with fuel reserves and functional backup power sources in the event of further attacks.
The Ministry emphasized that while there is no immediate threat to the population, the aggressor's actions pose serious risks.
"Such actions by the aggressor are absolutely unacceptable. This is a gross and cynical violation of all fundamental principles of nuclear and radiation safety. By risking a blackout at Chernobyl facilities, the enemy endangers not only Ukraine but the entire European continent," the department stated.
Following the attack, the Ministry is insisting on an extraordinary meeting of the IAEA Board of Governors. An agreement to this effect has already been reached between Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi.
It should be recalled that on October 1, 2025, Chernobyl facilities were temporarily de-energized for three hours following Russian shelling. Power was restored that same evening.