"Operational nuclear power plants in Ukraine reduced electricity production this morning as a precautionary measure following widespread military actions across the country, reportedly aimed at its energy infrastructure, further exacerbating the nuclear safety situation," the statement said.
The IAEA noted that the Khmelnytskyi, Rivne, and South Ukraine nuclear power plants "were not directly affected and were not shut down," but several substations they rely on were damaged.
"Of the nine currently operational reactors across three nuclear power plants, six reduced their output this morning, ranging from just over 40% of maximum capacity to more than 90%. Currently, only two of them are operating at 100% capacity, while one is down for maintenance. All nuclear power plants continued to receive external electricity," the release stated.
The report mentioned that agency representatives at the Ukrainian nuclear plants "heard anti-aircraft defense operations and sought shelter during air raid alerts," with a group at the Khmelnytskyi plant "hearing a loud explosion."
"The country's energy infrastructure is extremely vulnerable, directly impacting nuclear safety. We are still assessing the full extent of the damage. At this critical time, I reiterate the importance of adhering to the seven indispensable pillars of nuclear safety during conflict, particularly the fourth pillar, which states that there must be reliable external power supply from the grid for all nuclear facilities," Grossi stated.
In the IAEA release, there is no mention that Russia is shelling Ukraine, waging an aggressive war against it.