Drone Strike on Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant Raises Safety Concerns
A Russian attack drone hits the protective shelter of the Chornobyl plant without increasing radiation levels, according to Ukrainian officials.
On February 14, 2025, a Russian attack drone equipped with a high-explosive warhead struck the sarcophagus of the destroyed fourth unit of the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the incident through social media, stating that the shelter was built with the collaboration of European and global partners to protect against radiation hazards.
President Zelenskyy emphasized that Russia is the only nation capable of attacking such facilities and conducting military operations in disregard of potential consequences, categorizing these actions as a global terror threat.
Following the incident, a fire was extinguished, and the level of background radiation remained stable, with ongoing monitoring in place.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) also reported that there was no increase in radiation levels subsequent to the explosion that damaged the protective covering of one of the reactors.
The IAEA noted that its on-site observers heard an explosion at approximately 1:50 AM, followed by reports of a fire in the new concrete sarcophagus covering the remains of the reactor.
Authorities have assessed the damage to the structure as significant, while radiation levels inside and outside the sarcophagus are reported to remain normal.
The incident underscores ongoing safety concerns regarding the Chornobyl site amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the incident through social media, stating that the shelter was built with the collaboration of European and global partners to protect against radiation hazards.
President Zelenskyy emphasized that Russia is the only nation capable of attacking such facilities and conducting military operations in disregard of potential consequences, categorizing these actions as a global terror threat.
Following the incident, a fire was extinguished, and the level of background radiation remained stable, with ongoing monitoring in place.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) also reported that there was no increase in radiation levels subsequent to the explosion that damaged the protective covering of one of the reactors.
The IAEA noted that its on-site observers heard an explosion at approximately 1:50 AM, followed by reports of a fire in the new concrete sarcophagus covering the remains of the reactor.
Authorities have assessed the damage to the structure as significant, while radiation levels inside and outside the sarcophagus are reported to remain normal.
The incident underscores ongoing safety concerns regarding the Chornobyl site amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
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