Russia is gearing up to strike the power lines of Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, with the operation potentially unfolding in the coming days, a source familiar with the situation has stated.

Ukrainian officials previously indicated Moscow’s plan targeted high-voltage transmission infrastructure instead of direct attacks on nuclear reactors, but a source now asserts that the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) lines are Moscow’s primary focus.

In a Jan. 17 release, Ukraine’s Defense Ministry Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR) had warned that Russia was considering attacks on substations vital to nuclear power production.

“To pressure Ukraine into accepting unacceptable surrender terms to end the war, the aggressor state Russia is weighing attacks on strategic facilities of our country’s energy system — specifically, electricity transmission substations that support the operation of Ukrainian nuclear power plants.”

“The threat centers on ZNPP,” a source told Digital. “There are discussions of a large-scale attack either tonight or in the next few nights,” the source stated on condition of anonymity, adding that “conversations within the Ukrainian government regarding ZNPP and its lines have occurred before.”

According to sources, Russia also carried out actions in the Odesa region overnight Sunday, per Ukraine’s Emergency Service.

ZNPP is situated in southern Ukraine, features six VVER-1000 pressurized water reactors, and has been under Russian control since March 2022.

While the reactors no longer generate electricity, the plant requires external power to keep its cooling and safety systems operational.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has repeatedly cautioned that disruptions to off-site power supplies and lines present a significant nuclear safety hazard.

On Jan. 16, an agreement between Russia and Ukraine was reached to allow repairs under a temporary ceasefire on a damaged backup power line at ZNPP.

In a Jan. 16 statement, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi noted: “The IAEA is continuing to collaborate closely with both parties to safeguard nuclear safety at ZNPP and avoid a nuclear accident amid the conflict. This temporary ceasefire — the fourth we’ve negotiated — underscores the essential role we keep playing.”

“Persistent military activity worsening Ukraine’s power grid directly impacts the nuclear safety of its nuclear facilities,” Grossi stated.

“Russia is reportedly planning this strike, possibly even tonight,” the source commented on the ZNPP-related operation.

“Information from the Ukrainian Parliament, Security Service, and internal sources indicates the Russian army has told Ukraine’s military that if it does not halt shelling of Russian tankers at sea, oil refineries, and power stations, then Russia will completely destroy the targeted facilities,” the source explained.

“The parliament is aware of this. Yet we continue shelling,” the source added.

“This is an extremely challenging situation,” the source went on, noting that Ukrainian leadership, parliament, and “clearly the president’s office” are fully cognizant that “if we keep shelling Russian tankers and oil refineries, they will destroy all our assets.”

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also recently called on allies to urgently provide more air-defense missiles, warning that some systems are running low on ammunition, per reports.

“To actually maintain the country’s energy supply when temperatures are minus 20 degrees outside and people are truly suffering greatly,” the source added. “People are without power, lack warmth, and some even have no access to water.”

“And this is a highly contentious situation,” the source stated, “especially for Ukrainian citizens who are stuck indoors, hungry and cold, and overall facing this catastrophic humanitarian crisis.”

Digital has contacted President Zelenskyy’s office to request a comment.