A Russian drone strike caused an explosion and a fire at the dome protecting the remains of the nuclear reactor that exploded in Chernobyl in 1986, according to Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. The damage to the shelter was described as “significant.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An explosion and subsequent fire were reported at the New Safe Confinement (NSC) structure at the former Chernobyl Nuclear Plant at around 1:50 a.m. on Friday, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The explosion was reportedly caused by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So far, there is no indication of a breach in the NSC\u2019s inner containment, and radiation levels inside and outside remain normal and stable, according to the IAEA. No casualties have been reported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Last night, a Russian attack drone with a high-explosive warhead struck the shelter protecting the world from radiation at the destroyed 4th power unit of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant,” said President Zelenskyy. “The only country in the world that attacks such sites, occupies nuclear power plants, and wages war without any regard for the consequences is today\u2019s Russia. This is a terrorist threat to the entire world.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“The shelter at the Chernobyl NPP was damaged by this drone. The fire has been extinguished. As of now, radiation levels have not increased and are being constantly monitored,” Zelenskyy added. “According to initial assessments, the damage to the shelter is significant.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Surveillance footage showed the moment of the drone impact on the dome. A sudden explosion can be seen at the shelter protecting the reactor, followed by a fire. A hole in the dome and visible damage can be seen in the aftermath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n