IAEA sends mission to Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant: assessing damage to the sarcophagus.

According to ТСН: The electricity production at the Khmelnytskyi, Rivne, and South Ukrainian nuclear power plants has almost returned to normal levels this week.

IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi noted that almost all power units are operating at maximum capacity, except for one that is currently operating in limited mode. All damaged high-voltage power lines have been quickly restored.

IAEA Mission

Grossi also reported that the IAEA is preparing a special mission to inspect several important substations. The mission's task is to assess the extent of the damage following recent Russian attacks and identify potential risks to the stable operation of Ukrainian NPPs.

At the same time, the agency is fulfilling a request from the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine, sending an additional group of specialists to the Chernobyl NPP for a detailed assessment of the condition of the New Safe Confinement (NSC), which was damaged in a February 2025 attack by a Russian drone.

“The mission's goal is to assess the actual technical condition and operational suitability of the NSC after the terrorist attack on February 14, 2025,” emphasized Grossi.

He also reminded that the NSC, built in 2016, plays an important protective role by covering the 'Shelter' structure that contains the ruins of the fourth reactor of the Chernobyl NPP, destroyed in 1986. Although the February strike did not lead to radiation releases, the confinement sustained serious structural damage that affected its strength and lifespan.

As part of the mission, IAEA experts will be tasked with assessing measures taken to minimize risks and discussing further steps for restoring the functionality of the facility and preventing potential threats to nuclear safety with the Ukrainian side.

Earlier, information was received that Russia deliberately attacked a substation supplying electricity to the Khmelnytskyi and Rivne NPPs, which was also confirmed by IAEA representatives.

Additionally, it was mentioned that Russian special services might have obtained information about Ukrainian energy facilities through IAEA inspections.

Recent events underscore the importance of international oversight and assessment of the condition of nuclear facilities in Ukraine. IAEA missions could be crucial for ensuring stability and safety in the region, especially in light of threats from Russian aggression. Restoring normal operational indicators at nuclear plants is an important step toward the country's energy independence.