Chernobyl Radiation Shield Damaged in Russian Drone Strike, Says Ukraine

• Feb 14, 2025

A Russian drone attack has struck the protective structure shielding the damaged Chernobyl nuclear reactor, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated.

The overnight strike ignited a fire at the site of the world's worst nuclear disaster. The blaze was swiftly extinguished, and as of Friday morning, radiation levels inside and outside the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone remain stable, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Russia has denied targeting Chernobyl, asserting that its military does not strike Ukrainian nuclear facilities and dismissing claims of involvement as "false."

The IAEA, responsible for global nuclear safety monitoring, confirmed that emergency responders acted within minutes of the explosion. No casualties were reported, but the agency remains on "high alert." Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi emphasized that "there is no room for complacency" following the incident.

Historical Significance of Chernobyl

In 1986, a catastrophic explosion at Chernobyl released a vast amount of radioactive material, creating a public health emergency across Europe. To contain lingering radiation, a massive steel and concrete shield was erected over the ruined reactor. Measuring 275 meters (900 feet) wide and 108 meters (354 feet) tall, the structure was built at a cost of $1.6 billion (£1.3 billion). It is designed to prevent further radioactive leakage for the next century.

Zelensky shared footage on X, formerly Twitter, showing apparent damage to this critical protective shield.

Expert Reactions and Concerns

Professor Jim Smith from the University of Portsmouth, who has studied Chernobyl's aftermath since 1990, described the attack as "horrendous" but reassured that it poses no immediate radiation risk. He noted that a thick concrete sarcophagus beneath the shield still contains radioactive dust and debris from the explosion.

Simon Evans, who previously led the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development’s (EBRD) Chernobyl Shelter Fund, called the strike "an incredibly reckless attack on a vulnerable nuclear facility."

Evans explained that the shield was never designed to withstand military attacks, including drone strikes. Instead, it was engineered to contain radioactive materials and aid in the deconstruction of the damaged reactor. He reported "serious damage" to the outer and inner cladding and indicated that the explosion struck the maintenance system of a remote-controlled crane used for reactor dismantling. A full assessment is needed to determine the extent of the damage and potential repair costs.

Evans also reflected on the significance of the shelter, calling it the "world’s largest collaboration on nuclear safety." More than 40 countries contributed to the effort, and he lamented the breakdown of international cooperation due to the ongoing conflict.

Escalating Nuclear Safety Concerns

Zelensky asserted that the strike proves Russian President Vladimir Putin is "not preparing for negotiations," following a claim by former U.S. President Donald Trump that Putin had agreed to peace talks.

This latest incident follows increased military activity around Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe’s largest nuclear facility. In December, Ukraine and Russia accused each other of launching a drone attack on a convoy transporting IAEA experts to the site. The IAEA's director, Rafael Grossi, condemned the attack as "unacceptable," emphasizing the need to prevent a nuclear accident during the war.

Last year, the IAEA warned of a "major nuclear incident" risk after an attack on Zaporizhzhia. Russia and Ukraine exchanged blame over the assault.

Professor Smith expressed greater concern for Zaporizhzhia than Chernobyl, pointing out that while Chernobyl remains highly radioactive, it is no longer in a "hot state." Zaporizhzhia, in contrast, houses active nuclear fuel, which poses a greater threat in case of an attack.

The Lasting Legacy of Chernobyl

The true death toll from the 1986 Chernobyl disaster remains contested. Officially, 31 people died as an immediate result, but UN estimates suggest that 50 deaths can be directly linked to radiation exposure. In 2005, the UN predicted that as many as 4,000 people might eventually succumb to radiation-related illnesses.

As nuclear safety concerns mount amid the ongoing war, the international community remains on edge, fearing that reckless attacks could lead to another nuclear catastrophe.