Chernobyl's Safety Shield Compromised by Drone Strike, Warns UN Watchdog

Mon Dec 08 2025 07:16:07 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A recent drone strike has severely impacted the safety shield surrounding the Chernobyl nuclear reactor, leading to concerns about radiation containment. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) emphasizes the urgency of repairs.

The protective shell over Chernobyl has lost its ability to contain radiation following a drone strike, according to a report from the International Atomic Energy Agency. Ukrainian officials blame Russia for the attack, while IAEA asserts repairs are crucial to ensure continued safety at the site. Environmental experts note that while concerns exist, the immediate risk remains low due to existing containment structures.

A protective shield covering the Chernobyl nuclear reactor in Ukraine can no longer provide its main containment function following a drone strike earlier this year, according to a UN watchdog.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors found that the massive structure, built over the site of the 1986 nuclear disaster, had lost its 'primary safety functions including the confinement capability.'

In February, Ukraine accused Russia of targeting the power plant - a claim the Kremlin denied.

The IAEA said repairs were 'essential' to prevent further degradation of the nuclear shelter. However, environmental expert Jim Smith told the BBC: 'It is not something to panic about.'

Prof. Smith, from the University of Portsmouth in the UK, stated that the biggest danger linked to the site was disturbing radioactive dust but reassured that 'the risk is low' because contaminated dust is contained within a thick concrete 'sarcophagus' covered by the protective shield.

The 1986 explosion at Chernobyl blasted radioactive material into the air, triggering a public health emergency across Europe. In response, the former Soviet Union constructed the sarcophagus over the nuclear reactor. The sarcophagus only had a 30-year lifespan, prompting the need for the protective shell to prevent radioactive material leaking out over the next 100 years.

The IAEA reported that a team had completed a safety assessment of the site last week after it was 'severely damaged' by the drone strike, which caused a fire in the outer cladding of the steel structure. Inspectors noted that there was no permanent damage to the shell's load-bearing structures or monitoring systems and that some repairs had already been made to the roof.

However, IAEA director general Rafael Grossi stressed: 'Timely and comprehensive restoration remains essential to prevent further degradation and ensure long-term nuclear safety.'

Since the beginning of December, the UN's nuclear watchdog has been assessing Ukraine's energy infrastructure as the country continues to defend itself against Russia. Additionally, assessments of electrical substations critical for nuclear safety have been conducted, with Grossi indicating their importance for reactor cooling and the distribution of electricity to households and industry.