Zelenskyy: Ukraine Accuses Russia of Drone Strike on Chernobyl Shelter, Describing Damage as ‘Significant’

Reportedly, it is claimed that a drone hit the protective covering of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine on Friday, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attributing the incident to Russia.

According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, the agency’s team stationed at the Chornobyl site heard an explosion from the New Safe Confinement during the night on Thursday.

The New Safe Confinement structure safeguards the remnants of the nuclear reactor that exploded in Chernobyl in 1986 and was purportedly ignited following a drone hitting the NSC roof. Zelenskyy mentioned that preliminary evaluations indicate that “the damage to the shelter is significant.”

Zelenskyy took to X stating that the incident occurred when allegedly a “Russian attack drone with a high-explosive warhead struck the shelter.”

While the incident is currently still under investigation, Zelenskyy claimed the alleged attack was the result of a terrorist threat.

“This shelter was built by Ukraine together with other countries of Europe and the world, together with America – all those committed to real security for humanity,” Zelenskyy said in his post. “The only country in the world that attacks such sites, occupies nuclear power plants, and wages war without any regard for the consequences is today’s Russia. This is a terrorist threat to the entire world. The shelter at the Chornobyl NPP was damaged by this drone.”

Russia has denied any involvement. 

Teams assess the damage after what was said to be a drone struck the protective shell at the Chernobyl plant.  (@ZelenskyyUa)

The IAEA said its fire safety personnel were able to respond in minutes and there was no indication of a breach in NSC’s inner containment.

The agency also reported that there were currently no casualties, but are monitoring the situation and radiation levels inside and outside remain normal and stable. 

The explosion comes as world leaders are meeting in Munich, Germany on Friday for the Munich Security Conference where the future of Ukraine and its ongoing war with Russia will be the top item on the agenda.