War in Ukraine: Russia plans to strike nuclear facilities before winter, says Foreign Minister Sybiha

Ukraine's foreign minister said on Saturday that Russia appeared to be planning strikes on Ukraine's nuclear facilities before winter, urging the IAEA and Kiev's allies to establish permanent monitoring missions at the country's nuclear plants.

Key devices targeted ?

Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha clarified on X that these potential attacks concern in particular "open distribution devices (in nuclear power plants) and transmission substations, which are essential for the safe operation of nuclear energy". Moscow did not immediately comment.

Real risks according to the Minister

The damage could be heavy, the minister fears: “Damage to these facilities would create a high risk of a nuclear accident with global consequences. Our special services have transmitted this data to our partners."

"We urge the [Nuclear Security] Agency, partner countries and other organizations to accelerate the conclusion of agreements, as well as to establish a permanent reinforced presence of missions in all relevant facilities," he added in a latest publication.