Early Friday morning, a drone, allegedly Russian, struck the New Safe Confinement (NSC) shielding the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The NSC, which encases the remnants of the 1986 Chernobyl reactor disaster, suffered significant damage to its roof after being hit by what Zelenskyy described as a drone carrying high explosives. Video footage circulating online appears to show the moment of impact and the resulting explosion.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), with a team present at Chernobyl, confirmed hearing an explosion emanating from the NSC overnight. While the IAEA reported no immediate rise in radiation levels and no apparent breach of the inner containment, their personnel swiftly responded to the incident. Zelenskyy assured the public that the ensuing fire was extinguished and radiation levels were being continuously monitored.
Zelenskyy characterized the drone strike as a terrorist act, highlighting the international collaboration involved in constructing the NSC, including contributions from Ukraine, other European nations, and the United States. He condemned Russia as the sole nation targeting such sensitive sites and operating nuclear facilities during wartime with disregard for global safety. Moscow, however, has denied any involvement in the incident.
The IAEA continues to assess the situation, ensuring radiation levels remain stable both within and around the facility. No casualties have been reported. This incident coincides with the Munich Security Conference, where the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine is a central topic of discussion.
