In brief
After an attack on the Chernobyl reactor's protective shield, experts discuss the potential risks and international cooperation amid the war.
The protective shelter over Chernobyl's damaged nuclear reactor has been hit by a Russian drone, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He reported that the overnight attack caused a fire, which has since been put out. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stated that radiation levels in and around Chernobyl remained stable, but plant chief engineer Oleksandr Titarchuk admitted that the risk of radioactive leaks has increased.Russia denies any involvement in the attack on Chernobyl. The IAEA confirmed emergency responders acted promptly to the explosion, with no casualties reported. However, the agency remains vigilant, with its director stressing the importance of safety.The radiation containment structure, built at a cost of $1.6 billion, is designed to prevent radioactive material from escaping for the next century. It measures 275 meters wide and 108 meters tall. Footage shared by Zelensky showed damage to this important shield.Experts like Prof. Jim Smith, who study the aftermath of the 1986 disaster, consider the drone strike a significant risk but say the situation is under control due to existing safeguards. Simon Evans from the EBRD, involved in constructing the shelter, called the attack reckless, emphasizing that the dome was not designed to withstand military engagement.As tensions rise around Chernobyl, the IAEA warns of increasing military actions near other nuclear facilities, particularly the larger Zaporizhzhia plant. With ongoing hostilities, concerns about nuclear safety and international cooperation remain paramount as the conflict has increasingly jeopardized these efforts.
