Independent United Nations human rights experts have warned of an escalating risk of nuclear disaster in Ukraine following Russia’s continued attacks on the country’s electrical infrastructure.

The UN said their warning comes amid growing international concern about the vulnerability of Ukraine’s nuclear facilities, which rely on a stable power grid to maintain critical safety systems.

“The latest large-scale Russian missile attack on Ukraine’s electricity system has led to further significant damage to electric substations that are essential to the operation of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants,” the experts emphasised, according to the UN.

Recent strikes occurred overnight and reportedly caused severe damage, power outages and civilian casualties. The timing of attacks raises additional concerns as Ukraine enters the winter months, when power demands typically surge, the UN said.