A Russian strike drone carrying an explosive warhead hit the protective structure covering the damaged Reactor 4 at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) on Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
“Last night, a Russian attack drone with a high-explosive warhead struck the shelter protecting the world from radiation at the destroyed 4th power unit of the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant,” Zelenskyy said in a post on X. “As of now, radiation levels have not increased and are being constantly monitored. According to initial assessments, the damage to the shelter is significant.”
Last night, a Russian attack drone with a high-explosive warhead struck the shelter protecting the world from radiation at the destroyed 4th power unit of the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant.
This shelter was built by Ukraine together with other countries of Europe and the world,… pic.twitter.com/mLTGeDYgPT
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 14, 2025
The ruined Reactor 4 at Chornobyl is protected by two structures. The first, built in 1986, is a steel shed known as the Sarcophagus. The second is the New Safe Confinement (NSC) which was completed between 2012 and 2016. The massive structure, weighing 36,000 tons was slid over the old Sarcophagus to provide better containment. This project was funded by multiple countries at a cost of €1.5 billion (approximately $2 billion).
The Reactor 4 at Chornobyl NPP was first damaged in 1986, when a low-power test at the power plant caused an explosion and fire, releasing massive radiation into the atmosphere.
While the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that the recent damage caused no immediate radiation release, nuclear experts told The War Zone that the massive and intricately designed NSC had been compromised and could suffer further damage. One expert also noted that, in a worst-case scenario, repair efforts might require rolling back the entire containment structure on tracks, potentially exposing the destroyed inner core that the NSC was built to encase.
During the night of 13-14 Feb, at around 01:50, IAEA team at the Chornobyl site heard an explosion coming from the New Safe Confinement, which protects the remains of reactor 4 of the former Chornobyl NPP, causing a fire. They were informed that a UAV had struck the NSC roof. pic.twitter.com/Ee5NSRgDo8
— IAEA – International Atomic Energy Agency ⚛️ (@iaeaorg) February 14, 2025
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said that the incident at Chornobyl and the recent rise in military activity around the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant highlight ongoing nuclear safety risks. “There is no room for complacency, and the IAEA remains on high alert,” he said.
DG @rafaelmgrossi said the incident at Chornobyl and recent increase in military activity around Zaporizhzhya NPP underline persistent nuclear safety risks. “There is no room for complacency, and the IAEA remains on high alert,” he said.
— IAEA – International Atomic Energy Agency ⚛️ (@iaeaorg) February 14, 2025
Zelenskyy, who called the Russian drone strike on the Chornobyl NPP a “terrorist threat to the entire world” urged unified global pressure on Russia, insisting the aggressor must be held accountable for its actions.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov denied any Russian involvement in the attack, suggesting that the incident might be a provocation by Ukrainian authorities to disrupt ongoing peace negotiations.
The event coincided with the Munich Security Conference, where global leaders, including President Zelenskyy, gathered to discuss pressing international security issues.
