Putin called a 'nuclear terrorist' after strikes forced nuclear plants offline

Ukrainian leaders say recent Russian strikes damaged infrastructure tied to nuclear power, forcing reduced generation and at least one shutdown; officials also report widespread emergency power outages as freezing weather approaches.

Ukrainian officials report that recent Russian strikes damaged infrastructure tied to nuclear power plants and the wider energy grid. President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Vladimir Putin of an unprecedented attack and called for a unified global response. Energy firms said power generation had to be reduced and one plant shut down after damage to high-voltage substations. Local authorities warned of emergency outages as severe frosts are forecast. Key facts: - The Ukrainian president described the strikes as unprecedented and urged an international response. - DTEK said damage to high-voltage substations forced nuclear power stations to reduce output and led to at least one shutdown. - Kyiv's mayor reported emergency power outages and said residents in the capital were receiving electricity for about one and a half to two hours amid forecasts of severe cold. - Officials said trilateral talks are proposed next week in the United States and that the US has set a June deadline for a negotiated agreement. Summary: The reported strikes have strained Ukraine's energy system and reduced nuclear output at a time when severe cold is expected, resulting in planned and emergency outages. The situation is causing disruption to services and will affect residents in the near term. Diplomatically, officials say talks are proposed next week and a June deadline has been set for reaching an agreement.