The Minister of Energy of Ukraine warned that further Russian airstrikes on the country's energy network could cause an emergency at one of the three operating nuclear power plants under Kyiv's control. According to him, Russian barriers push nuclear risks closer to Ukraine's borders with the European Union. "They know exactly what they are doing," Galushchenko said on Tuesday from the Ukrainian capital. "It is no accident that they attack substations critical to nuclear safety."

Given the risk, the International Atomic Energy Agency last week expanded its monitoring mission in Ukraine. From now on, the monitoring includes the inspection of electric substations.

Russia has held up its role as a dominant player in the global nuclear industry as evidence it can avoid a nuclear incident and welcomed an IAEA team to discuss plant safety at a Sept. 6 meeting in Kaliningrad. It has blamed Kyiv for attempted sabotage and drone attacks.

Compounding the Ukrainian government’s concerns is a lack of air defense systems.

While Ukraine isn’t speaking directly with Russia, the government has asked third countries to intercede on its behalf over the issue of nuclear safety. “We have communicated to all partners,” Galushchenko said, referring to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kyiv last month.

“People are not aware of the risks that we see here,” Galushchenko said. “The consequences could be dramatic and awful, should they attack again and again. The situation would impact wider than the border of Ukraine or Russia and pose wider challenges for Europe.”

As reported by "Ukrainian Energy", The Russians will provide a 30% discount on Chinese gas. "Gazprom" is at a dead end.