A Russian drone has struck the protective shelter over the Chernobyl nuclear reactor, causing a fire that was quickly extinguished, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported. The overnight attack on the site of the 1986 nuclear disaster has sparked concerns over potential radioactive leaks, although the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that radiation levels inside and outside the plant remained stable.
While Russia denies the strike, claiming it does not target Ukrainian nuclear infrastructure, the incident has drawn attention to the vulnerability of critical nuclear facilities. Oleksandr Titarchuk, Chernobyl’s chief engineer, acknowledged that the possibility of radioactive leaks “now exists,” but assured that the situation remains under control.
The IAEA responded swiftly to the fire, with its personnel and vehicles arriving within minutes, and no casualties were reported. Despite the fire being extinguished, IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi emphasized that the agency remains on “high alert” and there is no room for complacency. The incident highlights the continued risks of nuclear infrastructure in conflict zones.
The protective shield struck by the drone, which cost $1.6 billion to construct, is designed to prevent radioactive materials from leaking from the Chernobyl site for the next century. Zelensky shared footage showing visible damage to the structure, with experts warning that a slight deviation could have led to a catastrophic radiation accident.
This attack has reignited concerns over the safety of other nuclear plants in Ukraine, such as the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, where military activity has increased in recent months. Chernobyl, though no longer active, remains a site of concern due to its historical significance in the nuclear disaster and the ongoing risks posed by external attacks.