Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that a Russian drone attack struck the radiation shelter of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant late Thursday night. The drone hit the damaged reactor's containment structure, specifically the fourth power unit, prompting emergency responses due to the subsequent fire that erupted. Fortunately, the fire has since been extinguished, and as of Friday morning, radiation levels at the site remained stable and unchanged, alleviating fears of contamination.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that fire safety personnel and emergency response vehicles were deployed promptly following the explosion, emphasizing the swift action taken to protect the facility. Despite the significant nature of the attack, no casualties were reported—a relief amid ongoing tensions in the region.
This incident underscores the continuing volatility in the Ukraine conflict, with increasing concerns regarding the safety of critical nuclear infrastructure as the war progresses. President Zelensky's update reflects the heightened vigilance surrounding the Chernobyl site, a location still bearing the scars of its catastrophic 1986 disaster. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine prompts global calls for monitoring nuclear safety and ensuring the protection of such perilous locations.
