Russia Accused of Drone Attack on Chernobyl Nuclear Plant
Ukraine has accused Russia of carrying out a drone attack on the Chernobyl nuclear plant, causing significant damage to the protective shelter covering the remains of the destroyed reactor. The incident occurred overnight, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirming that a Russian drone struck the New Safe Confinement (NSC), a 108-metre-high steel structure built in 2016 to contain radiation from the 1986 disaster. The fire caused by the explosion has since been extinguished, and radiation levels remain stable both inside and outside the facility, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The NSC, designed to withstand extreme conditions, including tornadoes, was damaged in the attack, with a visible hole reported in its roof. The IAEA stated that its team on-site heard the explosion and confirmed that fire safety personnel responded immediately. No casualties were reported, and there was no breach of the inner containment structure. Zelenskyy condemned the attack, emphasising that the shelter was a collaborative effort involving Ukraine, Europe, and the United States to ensure global safety. He accused Russia of disregarding the consequences of its actions, particularly in targeting critical nuclear infrastructure.
The incident has raised concerns about the ongoing risks to nuclear safety amid Russia’s war in Ukraine. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi highlighted the persistent dangers posed by military activity around nuclear sites, urging vigilance. The Chernobyl disaster, which occurred in 1986, remains one of the worst nuclear catastrophes in history, with long-term environmental and health impacts. The NSC, completed in 2018, was intended to secure the site for at least 100 years. The latest attack underscores the vulnerability of such facilities during conflict, with international observers closely monitoring the situation.
Ukraine accuses Russia of drone attack on Chernobyl nuclear plant
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