A suspected drone attack targeted the protective shell of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine early Friday, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy blaming Russia for the incident.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported on X that its team stationed at the Chornobyl site detected an explosion overnight on Thursday, originating from the New Safe Confinement (NSC). This structure was designed to contain the remains of Reactor No. 4, which was destroyed in the 1986 Chernobyl disaster. Reports indicate that an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) struck the NSC’s roof, igniting a fire.
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,… pic.twitter.com/mLTGeDYgPT
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 14, 2025
According to Zelenskyy, preliminary evaluations indicate that “the damage to the shelter is significant.” He stated on X that the attack was allegedly carried out by “a Russian drone armed with a high-explosive warhead.” Surveillance footage he shared captured the moment the drone made contact with the dome, triggering an explosion.
“The drone damaged the shelter at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. The fire has been extinguished, and as of now, radiation levels remain stable and are under constant monitoring,” Zelenskyy noted.
Although an official investigation is still underway, Zelenskyy labeled the attack a terrorist act, emphasizing the global security threat it poses. “This shelter was constructed with the cooperation of Ukraine, European nations, the United States, and others committed to ensuring real security for humanity. Russia is the only country that targets such facilities, occupies nuclear plants, and wages war with complete disregard for the consequences. This is a terrorist threat to the entire world,” he declared.
The IAEA confirmed that fire safety teams responded swiftly, and there was no indication that the NSC’s inner containment had been compromised. Additionally, no casualties were reported, and radiation levels both inside and outside the facility remained normal.
This attack occurred as global leaders gathered in Munich, Germany, for the Munich Security Conference, where discussions on Ukraine’s ongoing war with Russia were expected to dominate the agenda.