Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of launching a drone strike on the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, the site of the world’s worst nuclear disaster in 1986. According to Ukrainian officials, the attack occurred near the facility, which lies close to Ukraine’s border with Belarus.
Zelensky stated that while radiation levels remain stable, authorities are closely monitoring the situation. “We cannot allow such reckless actions near a site that has already caused unimaginable suffering,” he said in a televised address. The Ukrainian Presidential Press Service released footage purportedly showing the moment of impact.
Russia Denies the Attack
The Kremlin has denied any involvement in an attack on Chernobyl, calling the accusation a “provocation” by Ukraine. Russian Defense Ministry spokesperson Igor Konashenkov stated, “The Russian armed forces have not conducted any operations in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone.”
Moscow’s denial comes amid heightened tensions as the war in Ukraine approaches its third year. The region around Chernobyl has remained largely free from active combat since the early days of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. However, recent drone attacks across Ukraine have fueled concerns about escalating hostilities.
International Response
The alleged attack has drawn international condemnation. The United Nations and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have expressed concern, urging all parties to avoid military activities near nuclear sites. “Strikes near nuclear facilities pose an unacceptable risk to human life and the environment,” said IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi.
The European Union and the United States have also condemned the attack, with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken warning of “grave consequences” if nuclear safety is compromised. “This is a reckless and dangerous escalation,” he said.
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Radiation Levels Under Watch
Despite the strike, Ukraine’s State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate reported that radiation levels remain within normal limits. However, officials have deployed additional monitoring teams to assess potential risks.
Nuclear experts have cautioned that while the plant itself is no longer operational, any damage to containment structures or storage facilities could have serious environmental consequences.
Escalating Drone Warfare
Drone warfare has played a significant role in the ongoing conflict, with both Ukraine and Russia utilizing unmanned aerial vehicles for reconnaissance and strikes. Ukraine has previously targeted Russian military installations with drones, while Moscow has launched repeated attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure.
Recent weeks have seen intensified Russian aerial assaults on Ukrainian cities, with Kyiv reporting widespread damage to energy facilities. The alleged strike on Chernobyl marks a worrying expansion of the battlefield.
What Comes Next?
As Ukraine continues to investigate the incident, calls for international intervention are growing. President Zelensky has urged NATO allies to provide additional air defense systems to protect critical infrastructure.
With tensions running high, global leaders are watching closely to see whether this latest accusation will lead to further escalation in an already volatile war.
