US EditionChernobyl protective shield can no longer confine radiation after drone strike, UN nuclear watchdog says
The New Safe Confinement at Chernobyl lost its containment ability after a February drone strike, with no radiation leaks reported but urgent repairs needed, said IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi.
- On Dec 5, the International Atomic Energy Agency said an inspection last week confirmed the New Safe Confinement at Chernobyl lost its confinement capability.
- A February drone carrying a high-explosive warhead struck the New Safe Confinement, punching a hole in the outer shell and sparking a fire around reactor Number Four, Ukrainian authorities blamed Russia while Moscow denied responsibility.
- IAEA inspectors reported the 25,000-tonne New Safe Confinement covers reactor four, was completed as a Europe-funded project in 2019, and found no permanent damage to load-bearing structures with only limited roof repairs.
- Inspectors warned radioactive dust could now leak despite stable radiation levels, and the IAEA urged timely, comprehensive restoration to prevent further degradation and ensure long-term nuclear safety.
- Built in 2019 to last a century, the Europe-funded New Safe Confinement cost 1.5 billion, with major renovation planned for 2026 and full restoration after the war ends amid repeated strikes and Russia's 2022 invasion and occupation.
237 Articles
237 Articles
UN watchdog warns Chernobyl shield breached, urgent repairs needed after wartime damage
A Russian drone strike has severely damaged Chernobyl’s protective containment dome. The breach has compromised the structure’s primary safety and radiation confinement functions. International experts warn this creates a new long-term nuclear safety hazard. The incident highlights the extreme danger of warfare near nuclear sites. Urgent repairs are planned but are complicated by the ongoing […]
Russia Damaged Protective Dome Around Chernobyl, Can No Longer Contain Radiation
A multibillion-dollar dome built around the site of the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear meltdown was badly damaged last year after a Russian drone strike blew a hole in it, sparking a fire and plenty of alarm. Fortunately, officials arrived at the scene within minutes to put out the flames. But it was only the latest in a string of incidents plaguing the site as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine drags on, from Russian soldiers inhaling radioactive dust after …
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