In the early hours of Friday, February 14, 2025, a Russian drone strike targeted the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, damaging the protective shelter over Reactor 4, the site of the catastrophic 1986 nuclear disaster. Ukrainian officials confirmed the attack, stating that the drone, carrying a high-explosive warhead, ignited a fire, which was later extinguished. However, radiation levels remain stable with no detected increase, according to monitoring agencies.

Damage Assessment & Radiation Concerns

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that while the outer layer of the containment structure was damaged, the inner shell remains intact, preventing any radiation leakage. IAEA personnel stationed at the facility reported hearing the explosion but assured the international community that radiation levels inside and outside the facility remain normal.

Ukraine’s Reaction: ‘A Global Threat’

President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the strike, labeling it a “terrorist act”, warning that such actions put global nuclear safety at risk.
“This protective shield was built with the efforts of dozens of countries to safeguard the world from radiation. This attack is an act of global irresponsibility,” Zelensky stated.

Russia Denies Involvement

The Kremlin has denied responsibility, claiming that Russian forces do not target nuclear sites. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the allegations, calling them “Ukrainian propaganda” and suggesting that Kyiv might have staged the attack to gain international support.

International Response & Nuclear Safety Concerns

The IAEA has repeatedly warned about military activities near Ukraine’s nuclear sites, stressing that attacks near Chernobyl or Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant could lead to severe consequences.

As the conflict continues, the global community remains on high alert, closely monitoring the situation at Chernobyl and urging all sides to refrain from actions that could escalate nuclear security risks.