Ukraine has accused Russia of launching a drone strike on the radiation shield covering Chernobyl’s damaged nuclear reactor, a critical structure designed to contain radioactive material from the 1986 disaster. The attack, which occurred overnight, caused a fire that was quickly extinguished, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Despite the alarming nature of the strike, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that radiation levels inside and outside the site remain stable. The UN watchdog, which monitors nuclear safety globally, emphasized that the situation is under close observation, with Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi stating, “There is no room for complacency.”
Footage posted by Zelensky on X showed visible damage to the massive steel-and-concrete shield, which covers the remains of Reactor 4. The structure, known as the New Safe Confinement, was completed in 2016 at a cost of $1.6 billion and is crucial in preventing further radiation leaks.
However, nuclear expert Prof. Jim Smith from the UK’s University of Portsmouth reassured that the drone strike was unlikely to cause a significant radiation risk. He explained that a thick concrete sarcophagus beneath the outer shield still covers the radioactive debris from the explosion nearly four decades ago. A drone attack, he noted, would not have the power to compromise this layer.
The attack on Chernobyl adds to the growing concerns about nuclear safety in the ongoing conflict. Military activity has also intensified around Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe’s largest nuclear station. The IAEA has previously warned of the risks of a major nuclear incident, as both Ukraine and Russia have accused each other of targeting the facility.
Zelensky condemned the drone strike, calling it further evidence that Russian President Vladimir Putin is “not preparing for negotiations.” His comments follow recent claims by former U.S. President Donald Trump that Putin had agreed to peace talks.
As the war enters another volatile phase, Zelensky is set to meet U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Munich, where security discussions are expected to focus heavily on Ukraine.
While immediate radiation risks from the Chernobyl attack remain low, the incident underscores the persistent dangers posed by warfare near nuclear sites. With the conflict showing no signs of de-escalation, global leaders continue to warn against the catastrophic consequences of attacks on such critical infrastructure.
