A Russian drone strike targeting the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine has critically damaged the site's primary protective shield, according to inspectors from the United Nations' atomic energy watchdog.
Strike Compromises Critical Confinement
The attack, which occurred on February 14, involved a Russian strike drone equipped with a high-explosive warhead. It hit the massive shelter, known as the New Safe Confinement, built over the destroyed Unit 4 reactor where the world's worst nuclear disaster happened in 1986.
Inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) found the €1.5 billion structure has lost its 'primary safety functions, including the confinement capability'. This shield was constructed to prevent radioactive material from leaking out for the next 100 years, covering the ageing Soviet-era 'sarcophagus' built after the disaster.
IAEA Calls for Urgent Repairs
In a statement, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi emphasised the need for swift action. 'Limited temporary repairs have been carried out on the roof, but timely and comprehensive restoration remains essential to prevent further degradation and ensure long-term nuclear safety,' he said.
Grossi assured that the IAEA, which has a permanent team at the site, will continue supporting efforts to restore safety and security at Chernobyl. A preliminary report indicated that, fortunately, the shield's main structures and monitoring systems did not sustain irreversible damage. Crucially, radiation levels outside the site have not increased.
Context of the Attack and Ongoing Conflict
The strike has sparked a war of words between Kyiv and Moscow. Ukraine accused Russia of deliberately targeting the nuclear plant, an allegation the Kremlin has denied.
The incident occurred as the IAEA has been assessing Ukraine's energy infrastructure amid the ongoing war. The watchdog has also been inspecting electrical substations linked to nuclear safety, which are vital for distributing power.
Separately, regional officials reported that Russian troops attacked the neighbouring Chernihiv region 56 times in a 24-hour period, damaging energy infrastructure, killing one civilian man, and injuring a policewoman.
While the situation at Chernobyl is serious, some experts urge calm. Environmental specialist Jim Smith told the BBC the damage is 'not something to panic about', though the need for major repairs is undeniable to secure the site's long-term safety.
