Chernobyl's Radiation Shield Compromised Following Drone Strike, Warns IAEA

Mon Dec 08 2025 13:15:30 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A drone attack has rendered the protective shield at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant incapable of fulfilling its primary safety functions, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reports that a drone strike has severely compromised the protective shield around the Chernobyl nuclear reactor, built after the 1986 disaster. Essential repairs are urgently needed to maintain safety and prevent further degradation of the site. Despite this incident, experts indicate that immediate risk remains low due to existing containment measures.

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, who has studied the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster, stated that the biggest danger linked to the site was disturbing radioactive dust.

However, he added that the risk is low as contaminated dust is contained within a thick concrete sarcophagus which is 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 noted that a safety assessment of the site was completed last week after it was severely damaged by the drone strike, which caused a fire in the outer cladding of the steel structure.

Inspectors reported no permanent damage to the shell's load-bearing structures or monitoring systems, and some repairs had been conducted on the roof.

However, IAEA director general Rafael Grossi emphasized: 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 evaluating Ukraine's energy infrastructure as the country continues to defend itself against Russia.

Recently, Russia launched airstrikes on the city of Kremenchuk, a significant industrial hub in central Ukraine.

In addition to assessing Chernobyl, the IAEA has been inspecting electrical substations crucial for nuclear safety and security.

According to Mr. Grossi: They are absolutely indispensable for providing the electricity all nuclear power plants need for reactor cooling and other safety systems. They are also needed to distribute the electricity that they produce to households and industry.