The IAEA reported on the condition of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant's shelter following the Russian strike.

This is mentioned in the IAEA report.

A Russian drone has pierced a hole in the roof of the New Safe Confinement — a large arch-shaped shelter that covers the old sarcophagus of the destroyed reactor unit 4 at Chernobyl and prevents the spread of radioactive materials outside.

On-site, IAEA experts noted smoke from the roof of the NSC and the smell of burnt plastic. They observed that the fire is fueled by flammable materials in the roof's cladding.

During their inspection, the IAEA team recorded that both the outer and inner shells of the arch were damaged as a result of the drone attack. A hole approximately 6 meters in diameter was formed, and some equipment and electrical cables were also damaged. However, the supporting beams did not sustain significant damage.

The repair of the shelter is set to begin once the fire is completely extinguished. Meanwhile, IAEA representatives confirmed reports from Ukrainian authorities that the radiation level at the site has not changed.

Ukrainian authorities informed the IAEA that they will install additional sensors to measure the dose rate and aerosol concentration near the attack site.

What is known about the strike?

In the night of February 14, Russian occupiers attacked Ukraine with 133 strike drones of the Shahed type and imitation drones. Ukrainian military forces shot down 73 UAVs, while another 58 were lost to radar.

During the attack, a Russian strike drone armed with an explosive warhead hit the New Protective Shell covering the destroyed reactor unit 4 at Chernobyl. Emergency responders identified several damage sites. Although there is no open fire, efforts are underway to extinguish smoldering at one of the drone impact locations.

President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the Russians deliberately struck the sarcophagus at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, as evidenced by the low altitude of the drone. Law enforcement officials have opened a case under Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine — violation of the laws and customs of war.

Head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak explained that at the Munich Security Conference, “everyone is very angry about this news.”