---
title: "Shmyhal: Russia Targeted Khmelnitsky NPP Substation with Three Drones, Threatening Europe's Nuclear Safety"
description: "Ukrainian Minister of Energy Denys Shmyhal told G7, EU, and NB8 ambassadors that Russia targeted three drones at a substation critical to the Khmelnitsky NPP. Ukraine has informed the IAEA about the consequences of the massive shelling."
date: 2026-11-03T18:59:51.668Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/shmyhal-russia-attacks-khmelnitsky-npp-substation
tags: [ukraine-war, energy-infrastructure, nuclear-safety, khmelnytskyi-npp, russia-ukraine, g7, iaea]
author: "Alexander Buran"
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Shmyhal: Russia Targeted Khmelnitsky NPP Substation with Three Drones, Threatening Europe's Nuclear Safety

![Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal speaking at a briefing against a blue background](https://xab.info/media/2026/11/03/shmygal-rossiya-ataka-podstanciya-hmelnitskoy-aes/shmygal-rossiya-ataka-podstanciya-hmelnitskoy-aes-1.webp)

## Key Points

- Russia deployed 289 drones, 17 ballistic missiles, and 59 cruise missiles against Ukraine's energy infrastructure
- Three drones were directed at a substation critical to the operation of the Khmelnitsky NPP
- Ukraine informed the IAEA about the threat to Europe's nuclear safety
- Shmyhal briefed G7, EU, and NB8 ambassadors and expects a reaction from international partners

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal briefed ambassadors of G7, EU, and NB8 countries on the massive Russian missile and drone strike targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure on November 3. According to him, during the attack, Russian forces used 289 unmanned aerial vehicles, 17 ballistic missiles, and 59 cruise missiles. The primary targets of the strike were once again energy facilities—power plants, as well as electricity transmission and distribution substations.

### Targeted Strike on Khmelnitsky NPP Substation

Of particular concern, according to the minister, was the targeted guidance of three attack drones at a junction substation critical for the stable operation of the Khmelnitsky Nuclear Power Plant. Shmyhal emphasized that such actions pose a threat not only to Ukraine but to the nuclear safety of the entire Europe. "This is a serious escalation step, which we have reported to the IAEA," he stated during a meeting with diplomats. The Ukrainian side expects an appropriate response from international partners to systematic strikes on infrastructure supporting the operation of Ukrainian nuclear power plants.

### Systematic Destruction of the Energy System Ahead of Winter

The November 3 attack was part of an ongoing campaign to disable Ukraine's energy infrastructure. As previously reported, Russia has purposefully chosen Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odesa as main targets for strikes, aiming to trigger a massive humanitarian crisis. Due to the renewed energy attacks, power outages have already begun in Kyiv and several regions ahead of the heating season, vastly compounding the consequences for civilians.

### Precedent of Attacks Near Nuclear Power Plants

The incident involving the Khmelnitsky NPP substation is not isolated in the context of nuclear safety threats. During the massive attack on May 13–14, over 160 drones were recorded flying over the South Ukraine, Rivne, and Chornobyl nuclear power plants. The systematic approach of strike weapons to nuclear energy facilities, according to Ukrainian authorities, poses a direct threat to regional and continental security and requires an adequate response from the international community.

During the meeting with G7, EU, and NB8 ambassadors, the Ukrainian side reaffirmed the need to provide guarantees for the protection of energy infrastructure and nuclear plants, as well as to take concrete measures in response to the escalation. The issue of Europe's nuclear safety, as Shmyhal noted, goes beyond bilateral relations and requires a coordinated position among international partners.

## Fact-Check & Sources

- [РФ атаковала подстанцию, критически важную для работы Хмельницкой АЭС, - Шмыгаль](https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/rf-atakuvala-pidstantsiyu-kritichno-vazhlivu-1793732046.html) - Primary source: Shmyhal's statement after the meeting with G7, EU, and NB8 ambassadors. Figures: 289 drones, 17 ballistic missiles, 59 cruise missiles, 3 drones targeting the Khmelnitsky NPP substation.
- [Россия атаковала подстанцию, критически важную для работы Хмельницкой АЭС](https://24tv.ua/ru/obstrely-obektov-jenergetiki-rossija-nanesla-udar-po-podstancii-imejushhej-vazhnoe-znachenie-dlja-hmelnickoj-ajes_n3173309) - Confirms all key figures and the fact of notifying the IAEA. Points out the targeted guidance of three drones at the junction substation.
- [Россия атаковала объект возле Хмельницкой АЭС: Шмыгаль предупредил о ядерной опасности для ...](https://sud.ua/ru/news/ukraine/376665-rosiia-atakuvala-obiekt-bilia-khmelnytskoi-aes-shmyhal-poperedyv-pro-iadernu-nebezpeku-dlia-vsiiei-ievropy) - Confirms the attack of three drones on the Khmelnitsky NPP energy facility and reporting to the IAEA.
- [Оккупанты нанесли удар с помощью дрона по подстанции, имеющей критическое значение для работы ...](https://nv.ua/ukraine/events/ataki-na-energetiku-ukrainy-3-noyabrya-drony-nanosili-udary-po-podstancii-vozle-hmelnickoy-aes-shm-50656018.html) - Confirms the targeting of three drones at the substation critical for the Khmelnitsky NPP during the November 3 attack.

## FAQ

### What specifically was attacked near the Khmelnitsky NPP?

According to Denys Shmyhal, three attack drones were directed at a junction substation critical for the stable operation of the Khmelnitsky Nuclear Power Plant.

### How many weapons did Russia deploy on November 3?

According to the Ukrainian Minister of Energy, Russia used 289 drones, 17 ballistic missiles, and 59 cruise missiles.

### Who was informed about the nuclear safety threat?

Ukraine informed the IAEA, as well as G7, EU, and NB8 ambassadors during a special meeting led by Denys Shmyhal.

### What consequences for power supply have already been recorded?

Due to renewed strikes on energy facilities, blackouts have begun in Kyiv and several regions ahead of the heating season.