Shmyhal: Russian drone attack on Khmelnytskyi nuclear plant substation threatens all of Europe

Russian forces struck a critical substation for the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant with three drones overnight on November 3, prompting Ukrainian Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal to warn of a threat to nuclear safety across all of Europe. Shmyhal called the attack a serious escalation and said Ukraine has informed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), expecting a proper international response. He briefed ambassadors from the G7, EU, and NB8 countries on the massive strike involving 289 drones, 17 ballistic missiles, and 59 cruise missiles targeting energy infrastructure. Ukraine has been forced to limit nuclear power plant output because damaged substations cannot transmit all generated electricity. Officials warn that state energy facilities remain insufficiently protected and Russia may intensify attacks on the Kyiv region ahead of potential peace negotiations.