Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported on Friday that a Russian drone strike had targeted a protective covering designed to contain radiation at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, though he assured that “radiation levels have not increased.” This development came as the Ukrainian air force disclosed that Russia had launched over 100 drones across the nation overnight, with many targeting northern regions where the infamous nuclear plant is located.
In a post on social media, Zelensky detailed, “Last night, a Russian attack drone with a high-explosive warhead struck the cover protecting the world from radiation at the destroyed 4th power unit of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant.” This act has raised alarms, considering Chernobyl’s catastrophic history.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) also acknowledged the incident, confirming that there had been an explosion at the site. They issued a statement indicating that radiation levels, both inside and outside the plant, remain within normal and stable ranges. The IAEA has maintained a presence at the site since the early stages of Russia’s invasion, and they released images that appeared to show the drone engulfed in flames after crashing into the protective covering.
The Chernobyl disaster, which occurred in 1986, remains etched in history as the world’s worst nuclear accident. During a failed safety test, a reactor exploded, releasing vast amounts of radioactive material that contaminated large parts of Europe and forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of individuals. In the aftermath, Soviet authorities attempted to downplay and initially conceal the catastrophe. Eventually, a massive concrete and steel structure known as a sarcophagus was constructed over the reactor to contain the radiation.
Zelensky condemned Russia’s actions, stating, “The only country in the world that attacks such sites, occupies nuclear power plants, and wages war without any regard for the consequences is today’s Russia.” As of now, there has been no immediate response from Russian authorities regarding the incident. The ongoing conflict and the targeting of such critical infrastructure continue to heighten global concerns about the potential consequences of military actions near nuclear sites.
