Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of targeting the protective shield at the Chernobyl Nuclear Plant in a drone attack that occurred overnight between Thursday and Friday. Despite the attack, he assured that radiation levels have not increased.
In a statement, President Zelensky detailed the incident, explaining that a Russian drone laden with explosives struck the shelter covering Reactor No. 4 at Chernobyl. The protective structure, which encloses the reactor that infamously exploded in April 1986, was damaged, but fires were quickly extinguished and radiation levels remained stable.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed the occurrence, stating that their team at the site heard the explosion, which was later attributed to a drone strike. The IAEA reported that the incident happened at 1:50 a.m. on Friday. Images released by Zelensky showed holes and damaged equipment on the metal structure, with sheets of metal visibly torn.
Zelensky condemned the attack, labeling Russia as the only country that launches assaults on such sensitive locations, seizes nuclear plants, and wages war without regard for consequences. He described it as a global threat of terrorism.
This incident has heightened international concern, particularly about the safety and security of nuclear facilities amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The potential risk to nuclear sites remains a critical issue as the war continues to unfold.
