A Russian drone struck the protective sarcophagus covering the damaged Chernobyl nuclear reactor on the night of February 15, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced. The explosion caused damage to the structure but did not result in increased radiation levels, according to Ukrainian officials and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Damage and Radiation Levels
The attack, carried out by an explosive-laden drone, ignited a fire that was later extinguished. President Zelensky reported that while the sarcophagus sustained significant damage, radiation levels remained stable. The IAEA confirmed that no radiation increase was detected inside or outside the structure. No casualties were reported.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi warned that the strike, along with rising military activity near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, highlights ongoing threats to nuclear safety. Zelensky condemned Russia’s actions, stating that only Russia engages in military operations near nuclear sites without concern for global consequences.
The Chernobyl disaster occurred on April 26, 1986, when Reactor 4 exploded, spreading radioactive contamination across Europe. The site remains under strict monitoring, with the sarcophagus and “New Safe Confinement” structure protecting the reactor remains. The Chernobyl power plant ceased operations in 2000.