On the night of February 14, a Russian strike drone hit the shelter protecting the destroyed Unit 4 of the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant.
This was reported by the IAEA and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
During the night of February 13-14, around 01:50, the IAEA team at the Chornobyl site heard an explosion coming from the New Safe Confinement, which safeguards the remains of Reactor 4 of the former Chornobyl NPP, resulting in a fire. They were informed that a UAV had struck the roof of the NSC. pic.twitter.com/Ee5NSRgDo8
— IAEA — International Atomic Energy Agency ⚛️ (@iaeaorg) February 14, 2025
According to the organization, the strike occurred around 01:50 near the New Safe Confinement covering the destroyed reactor. The drone hit the roof of the containment structure, causing a fire.
“Fire safety personnel and vehicles responded within minutes. Currently, there are no signs of a breach in the internal protective shell of the NSC,” stated the IAEA.
The radiation levels inside and outside remain normal, and there are no casualties.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi emphasized that this incident, along with the increased military activity around the Zaporizhzhia NPP, indicates ongoing risks to nuclear safety. He assured that the agency is in a state of heightened preparedness.