Russia considering strikes on substations serving Ukraine's nuclear power plants, Ukrainian intelligence says

KATERYNA TYSHCHENKO - 17 January, 16:35

High-voltage power lines. Photo: Pixabay

Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) has said Russia is considering carrying out attacks on substations linked to Ukraine's nuclear power plants in a bid to force Ukraine to agree to unacceptable demands.

Source: DIU on Facebook

Quote: "In order to force Ukraine to sign unacceptable capitulation demands to end the war, Russia, the aggressor state, is considering striking strategic facilities in our country's energy system – the electricity transmission substations that ensure the operation of Ukraine's nuclear power plants.

…By destroying or disabling these substations, Moscow seeks to disconnect nuclear power plant units from Ukraine's integrated power system so that Ukrainian civilians are left entirely without electricity and heating."

Details: DIU reported that as of mid-January 2026, Russia has carried out reconnaissance of 10 critical energy infrastructure facilities in nine Ukrainian oblasts.

DIU added that as part of its pressure campaign, Moscow also plans to step up its intimidation of European countries and the West more broadly in order to deter support for Ukraine, particularly Kyiv's ability to repel Russia's terrorist airstrikes on critical energy infrastructure.

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