Russian drone strike damages Chernobyl shelter, no radiation increase reported

A Russian drone strike targeted the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) early Wednesday, causing damage to the protective shelter covering reactor 4.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the attack via social media post on X, emphasizing the global security risks posed by strikes on nuclear facilities.

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, together with America – all those committed to real security for humanity. 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. This is a terrorist threat to the entire world.

The shelter at the Chornobyl NPP was damaged by this drone. The fire has been extinguished. As of now, radiation levels have not increased and are being constantly monitored. According to initial assessments, the damage to the shelter is significant.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Damage to Chernobyl NPP’s protective structure

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that the explosion, which occurred at approximately 01:50 local time, struck the New Safe Confinement (NSC) unit designed to contain the remains of reactor 4.

Fire safety teams responded swiftly, extinguishing the blaze.

According to initial assessments, while the damage is described as serious, the inner containment structure remains intact, and no radiation leaks have been detected.

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.

Fire safety personnel and vehicles responded within minutes. At this moment, there is no indication of a breach in the NSC’s inner containment. Radiation levels inside and outside remain normal and stable. No casualties reported. IAEA continues monitoring the situation.

IAEA – International Atomic Energy Agency

IAEA monitoring the situation

The IAEA team stationed at Chernobyl heard the explosion and was informed that an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) had struck the NSC roof. The agency has stated that radiation levels inside and outside the facility remain normal. No casualties have been reported.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi expressed concern over the situation, highlighting the persistent safety risks linked to military activity near nuclear sites. “There is no room for complacency, and the IAEA remains on high alert,” he said.

Ukraine condemns attacks on nuclear facilities

Zelenskyy condemned the attack, stating that Russia‘s continued targeting of nuclear sites represents a major threat to international security. His administration has called for increased global pressure on Moscow to prevent further assaults on critical infrastructure.

Every night, Russia carries out such attacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure and cities. Russia continues to expand its army and shows no change in its deranged, anti-human state rhetoric. This means that Putin is definitely not preparing for negotiations — he is preparing to continue deceiving the world.

That is why there must be unified pressure from all who value life – pressure on the aggressor. Russia must be held accountable for its actions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

The incident also follows heightened military activity around the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant, another site of concern for international nuclear safety organizations.