A Russian drone has struck the protective shelter over the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, igniting a fire and triggering fresh concerns over nuclear safety. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the attack, sharing images of the damage.
Figure 1: Images of the Damages collected from different X posts
Despite denials from the Kremlin, social media erupted with condemnation, with political leaders and activists warning of the dangers of such reckless actions.
Here’s the X post by Zelensky:
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
Fire at Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant
The overnight attack at Chernobyl’s sarcophagus—the protective structure over the damaged reactor—caused a fire that was later extinguished.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said radiation levels remain stable, but Chernobyl’s chief engineer Oleksandr Titarchuk warned that the risk of radioactive leaks “now exists.”
The IAEA responded swiftly, stating:
“Fire safety personnel and vehicles responded within minutes. At this moment, there is no indication of a breach in the NSC’s inner containment.”
Director-General Rafael Grossi reinforced the urgency:
“There is no room for complacency, and the IAEA remains on high alert.”
Reactions on Social Media
Leaders and activists voiced their outrage on X, highlighting the dangers of attacks on nuclear sites.
Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, stated:
“Russia recklessly attacked again the Chornobyl nuclear site. Such attacks on civilian nuclear sites are unacceptable. It shows once again that Russia is not looking for peace.”
Serhii Sternenko, a Ukrainian activist, reacted with sarcasm:
“Russians hit the sarcophagus of the Chornobyl nuclear power plant. This is a peace signal. Putin simply wants peace. Look, Russia is for peace. Peace, isn’t it clear?”
Russia recklessly attacked again the Chornobyl nuclear site.
Such attacks on civilian nuclear sites are unacceptable.
It shows once again that Russia is not looking for peace.
— Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) February 14, 2025
Russians hit the sarcophagus of the Chornobyl nuclear power plant.
This is a peace signal. Putin simply wants peace. Look, russia is for peace. Peace, isn’t it clear? pic.twitter.com/kosLRGoeIC
— Serhii Sternenko ✙ (@sternenko) February 14, 2025
Kremlin Denies the Attack
Despite the growing backlash, Russian officials dismissed the claims. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated:
“There is no question of any strikes on such nuclear infrastructure sites.”
“Any claims that this was the case do not correspond to reality. The Russian military does not do this.”
His denial came after admitting that he lacked “exact information” about the reported strike on Chernobyl.
“An Incredibly Reckless Attack”
Experts and officials warned about the consequences of an attack on Chernobyl’s containment shield.
Simon Evans from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), which helped construct the $1.6 billion sarcophagus, called it:
“An incredibly reckless attack on a vulnerable nuclear facility.”
He noted that the protective dome was built to contain radioactive material, not to withstand external attacks.
Reactions From EBRD
The EBRD or European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, has mentioned in an X post:
“We are extremely concerned by reports of damage to the Chornobyl New Safe confinement caused by Russian drone strikes. We strongly condemn any attacks on Ukraine’s nuclear infrastructure, and particularly on the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant.”
We are extremely concerned by reports of damage to the Chornobyl New Safe confinement caused by Russian drone strikes.
We strongly condemn any attacks on Ukraine’s nuclear infrastructure, and particularly on the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant. pic.twitter.com/Ysq2N0dNG0
— The EBRD (@EBRD) February 14, 2025
In another X post they have also mentioned,
“We stand ready to support the government of Ukraine and partners to ensure Chornobyl remains an environmentally safe and secure site.”
We stand ready to support the government of Ukraine and partners to ensure Chornobyl remains an environmentally safe and secure site. pic.twitter.com/4S2yDaHmZI
— The EBRD (@EBRD) February 14, 2025
Calls for Stronger Defence
Poland’s Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski stressed the need for better air defences, recalling the 1986 Chernobyl disaster:
“In 1986, the radioactive cloud endangered all of Europe and beyond.”
The attack follows a night of heavy drone strikes across Ukraine, with over 100 drones launched, targeting northern regions.
Figure 3: The time of the explosion
Zelensky: “Russia Must Be Held Responsible”
President Zelensky condemned the attack, accusing Russia of acting without regard for global safety:
“A Russian strike drone with a high-explosive warhead hit the shelter that protects the world from the radiation of the destroyed 4th power unit of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant.”
He warned that Russia’s actions show Putin is not preparing for peace talks but seeking to escalate the war.
“Russia must be responsible for what it is doing.”
Historic Danger of Chernobyl
The 1986 Chernobyl explosion was the world’s worst nuclear disaster, spreading radiation across Europe and forcing mass evacuations.
- A botched safety test led to the explosion.
- A concrete sarcophagus was built to contain the radiation.
- The New Safe Confinement, a steel dome, was completed in 2016.
What Happens Next?
With tensions rising, international leaders are calling for urgent action:
- The EU and NATO may increase support for Ukraine’s air defences.
- The IAEA continues monitoring radiation levels.
- Global pressure mounts on Russia to stop attacks on nuclear infrastructure.
The Chernobyl strike is a stark reminder of the war’s dangers. Any escalation at a nuclear site could have catastrophic consequences.
