A Russian drone struck the protective dome at Chernobyl’s fourth reactor, the structure designed to contain radiation from the 1986 nuclear disaster. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the attack, sharing footage of the explosion and calling it a “terrorist threat to the entire world.” The incident adds to growing fears about Russia’s willingness to target sensitive infrastructure.
The drone, carrying a high-explosive warhead, hit the New Safe Confinement (NSC) shelter late on February 13. The blast caused a fire, but emergency crews quickly extinguished it. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that while the structure was damaged, there is no sign of radiation leakage, and levels remain stable. Authorities continue to monitor the site for any further risks.
Zelensky condemned Russia for attacking a site critical to global safety, stating that no other country “wages war without any regard for the consequences.” He urged international leaders to hold Russia accountable and warned that these strikes show President Vladimir Putin is not serious about peace negotiations.
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 Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / ????????? ?????????? (@ZelenskyyUa) February 14, 2025
This shelter was built by Ukraine together with other countries of Europe and the world,… pic.twitter.com/mLTGeDYgPT
With the war nearing its third anniversary, Ukraine is pushing for stronger global intervention. The attack on Chernobyl highlights the escalating risks, as Russia continues targeting infrastructure with potentially catastrophic consequences. The international response to this latest strike remains to be seen.
