A drone strike hit the protective shelter over Reactor 4 at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant on Friday, causing structural damage and a fire that was later extinguished.
Ukrainian officials claim the attack was carried out by a Russian drone equipped with a high-explosive warhead.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strike, calling it an act of terrorism and evidence of Russia’s disregard for global nuclear safety.
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.
This shelter was built by Ukraine together with other countries of Europe and the world,… pic.twitter.com/mLTGeDYgPT
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 14, 2025
He urged the international community to hold Russia accountable and increase pressure to prevent further attacks on sensitive infrastructure.
Despite the damage, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that radiation levels remain stable, and there is no indication of a breach in the internal containment structure. Ukrainian emergency teams quickly responded, preventing a potential environmental disaster.
Russia has denied responsibility for the attack.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed Ukraine’s claims, stating that Russian forces did not target the facility and suggesting that Ukraine might be using the incident for political leverage in ongoing peace negotiations.
The strike has intensified concerns over the security of nuclear facilities in active conflict zones. Experts warn that continued attacks near such sites could lead to catastrophic consequences.
This latest development adds to growing fears about the war’s impact on global safety, with international leaders calling for immediate de-escalation. The situation remains under close monitoring as Ukraine and its allies assess the full extent of the damage.