The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, denounced on Friday a Russian attack involving an explosives-laden drone, which impacted a protective structure at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Although the president stated that the damage is significant, he also indicated that radiation levels remain stable and have not increased following the incident.
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Details of the Attack on Chernobyl
Zelensky stated that “This protective structure was built by Ukraine together with other countries in Europe and the world, together with the USA, together with all those who are committed to the real security of humanity”. In his message on the social network X, the Ukrainian president highlighted the “irresponsibility” of Russia in attacking nuclear infrastructures, warning that it is the only country that acts in such a way. He added that the attack caused a fire in the area, although it has already been extinguished.
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The leader explained that the damaged structure protects the remains of reactor number 4 of Chernobyl, which was devastated in the 1986 nuclear accident, the most severe in history. In subsequent statements, Zelensky mentioned that “at this moment, radiation levels have not increased and are being constantly assessed. According to preliminary assessments, the damage to the protective structure is significant." He also labeled Russia as “a terrorist threat to the entire world.”
The Ukrainian air force also reported that during the night, Russia launched more than 100 drones in various areas of the country, including the zones near Chernobyl. This type of nighttime attack has become common, which has raised increasing concerns about security in the region.
International Reactions and the IAEA
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed the drone impact on the structure known as the New Safe Confinement (NSC), but also indicated that no increases in radiation levels have been detected. In a statement, the IAEA assured that “at this time, there are no indications of a breach in the interior containment of the NSC. Radiation levels inside and outside remain normal and stable. No casualties have been reported”. The UN agency specified that the attack occurred around 1:50 AM.
Rafael Grossi, director general del OIEA, expressed his concern about the attack and linked it to an increase in military activity around the Zaporizhzhia plant, which has been under Russian control since the start of the invasion in 2022. Grossi warned that “this attack, along with the growing military presence in Zaporizhzhia, highlights the persistent risks to nuclear safety.”
Since the beginning of the war, the IAEA has warned about the risk of a nuclear accident in Ukraine due to conflicts near its atomic facilities, particularly in Zaporizhzhia, the largest nuclear power plant in Europe. This plant has experienced repeated power supply cuts, endangering the cooling systems of the reactors.
The attack on Chernobyl rekindled the memory of the 1986 nuclear disaster, when a reactor exploded during a failed safety test, releasing clouds of radiation that affected much of Europe and forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of people. In response to the tragedy, a metal dome was constructed over the remains of the reactor, funded with 2.1 billion euros of international aid, to prevent future leaks.
Andrí Yermak, head of the presidential office of Ukraine, announced that the Government will provide detailed information to the United States administration about the attack on Chernobyl. “Today we will give a lot of information to our American partners about Russia’s attack on the Chernobyl nuclear power plant”, Yermak wrote on X. This announcement was made in the framework of the Munich Security Conference, where Zelensky will present to a U.S. delegation the risks posed by Russia and the importance of maintaining international pressure on Moscow.
Yermak concluded by saying that “todo el mundo está verdaderamente enfadado” due to the impact of the drone on the protective structure of reactor number 4, highlighting the seriousness of the situation and its repercussions on the international community.