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Sunday, Feb 16, 2025
Outside the box.
Russian Drone Attack Causes Damage to Chernobyl Nuclear Shield
Significant damage reported to protective shelter, raising concerns over potential radioactive leaks despite no immediate radiation increase.
On February 14, 2025, a Russian high-explosive drone strike targeted the protective shelter over the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, causing significant damage and prompting warnings of a potential radioactive leak.
According to the chief engineer of the Chernobyl plant, the protective barrier is no longer functioning as intended and is likely to allow the possible release of radioactive substances.
However, both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that radiation levels remain stable and have not increased since the incident.
The drone attack occurred around 1:50 AM local time, damaging the New Safe Confinement structure that was specifically built to prevent the release of radiation following the catastrophic 1986 nuclear disaster.
The IAEA noted that there has been no indication of a breach in the inner containment shell, emphasizing that its personnel responded promptly to the incident and found no casualties.
The New Safe Confinement, completed in 2016 at a cost of approximately $2.48 billion, was financed by contributions from 45 donor countries and institutions.
The wider implications of the strike have raised alarms among international leaders and organizations regarding safety risks surrounding Ukraine's four nuclear plants, particularly the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which remains under Russian occupation.
President Zelenskyy condemned the attack, stating that Russia poses a terrorist threat to global security.
In contrast, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov denied the allegations of an attack on Chernobyl.
As tensions escalate, the situation was further complicated by diplomatic discussions among world leaders at the Munich Security Conference, where the future of Ukraine and ongoing military actions by Russia are central topics.
Amid these developments, US officials, including Vice President JD Vance, have warned of potential military responses should peace talks with Russia fail to materialize.
According to the chief engineer of the Chernobyl plant, the protective barrier is no longer functioning as intended and is likely to allow the possible release of radioactive substances.
However, both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that radiation levels remain stable and have not increased since the incident.
The drone attack occurred around 1:50 AM local time, damaging the New Safe Confinement structure that was specifically built to prevent the release of radiation following the catastrophic 1986 nuclear disaster.
The IAEA noted that there has been no indication of a breach in the inner containment shell, emphasizing that its personnel responded promptly to the incident and found no casualties.
The New Safe Confinement, completed in 2016 at a cost of approximately $2.48 billion, was financed by contributions from 45 donor countries and institutions.
The wider implications of the strike have raised alarms among international leaders and organizations regarding safety risks surrounding Ukraine's four nuclear plants, particularly the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which remains under Russian occupation.
President Zelenskyy condemned the attack, stating that Russia poses a terrorist threat to global security.
In contrast, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov denied the allegations of an attack on Chernobyl.
As tensions escalate, the situation was further complicated by diplomatic discussions among world leaders at the Munich Security Conference, where the future of Ukraine and ongoing military actions by Russia are central topics.
Amid these developments, US officials, including Vice President JD Vance, have warned of potential military responses should peace talks with Russia fail to materialize.
