Russian Drone Hits Chernobyl Reactor Shield, Says Ukraine

 A Russian drone attack hit the radiation shelter at Chernobyl. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shared this news. The attack damaged the shelter over the destroyed reactor. The overnight strike caused a fire. Firefighters quickly put out the flames. Russia has not yet responded to these claims.

As of Friday morning, radiation levels remained normal. Zelensky confirmed there was no radiation increase at the plant. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) also checked the site. Their team responded immediately. They found no casualties.

The IAEA monitors nuclear safety worldwide. They said radiation inside and outside Chernobyl is stable. The agency remains on high alert. Their director general, Rafael Mariano Grossi, warned against complacency. He urged continued vigilance.

Chernobyl is famous for a major nuclear disaster. In 1986, an explosion sent radioactive material into the air. It caused a public health crisis across Europe. The destroyed reactor lost its roof in that explosion. A massive concrete and steel shield now covers it.

Zelensky posted a video on X. The footage showed damage to the shield. The attack raised new safety concerns. The world is watching closely.

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The shield at Chernobyl prevents radioactive leaks. It will protect the site for the next 100 years. It is 275 meters wide and 108 meters tall and cost is $1.6 billion to build.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the attack proves Russian President Vladimir Putin is not ready for peace. He responded after U.S. President Donald Trump claimed Putin agreed to start peace talks.

Zelensky accused Russia of attacking Ukraine every night. He said Russian forces target cities and infrastructure. He called for strong international action against Moscow.

Later on Friday, Zelensky will meet U.S. Vice President JD Vance. He will also meet Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The meetings will take place in Munich. World leaders will discuss the war in Ukraine.

The attack on Chernobyl happened during increased military activity. The IAEA reported concerns about the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. The plant is in southern Ukraine.

In December, Ukraine and Russia blamed each other for a drone attack. The attack targeted a convoy of IAEA experts. The experts were on their way to Zaporizhzhia.

IAEA head Rafael Grossi condemned the attack. He called it “unacceptable.” He said the agency is working to prevent a nuclear disaster.

Last year, the IAEA urged both sides to be careful. An attack in August raised the risk of a major nuclear incident. Russia and Ukraine blamed each other.