A Russian drone attack has struck the radiation shelter covering Chernobyl’s damaged nuclear reactor, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The overnight strike ignited a fire, but it has since been extinguished. Fortunately, radiation levels inside and outside Chernobyl remain normal and stable, the UN’s nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), confirmed on Friday morning.
Russia has denied the attack, stating that its military does not target Ukrainian nuclear infrastructure and labeling the claims as unfounded. The IAEA, which oversees global nuclear safety, reported that fire response teams quickly arrived at the scene and contained the situation. No casualties were reported, and the agency continues to monitor the incident closely, maintaining a “high alert” status.
The Chernobyl plant, site of the world’s worst nuclear disaster in 1986, is protected by a large concrete and steel shield designed to prevent further radioactive leaks. Zelensky shared footage showing the damage to the structure, which stands 275 meters wide and 108 meters tall. This protective cover cost around $1.6 billion to build and is meant to secure the area for the next century.
While the strike was significant, experts like Professor Jim Smith of the University of Portsmouth, who has studied the aftermath of the disaster since 1990, assured there is no immediate radiation risk. He explained that the drone strike would not be capable of damaging the thick concrete sarcophagus beneath the outer shield, which contains the radioactive particles.
Zelensky linked the attack to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s stance on negotiations, stating that the strike demonstrates Russia’s unwillingness to engage in talks. He called for global pressure to hold Moscow accountable for its continued attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure and cities.
Later on Friday, Zelensky is scheduled to meet with U.S. officials, including Vice-President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, for discussions on the ongoing conflict. The situation at Chernobyl follows heightened military activity near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, where both Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of drone attacks targeting the facility.
The IAEA has repeatedly called for restraint in the region, given the potential risk of a major nuclear incident at Zaporizhzhia, Europe’s largest nuclear power plant.