Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has blamed Russia for carrying out a drone attack on the Chernobyl nuclear accident site on Thursday evening. The blast hit the New Safe Confinement, where the wreckage of reactor 4 of the old Chernobyl nuclear power plant is stored.
The attack has been condemned by the international community, with Zelenskyy terming it a “terrorist threat to the entire world.”
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.
Zelenskyy Blames Russia for Strike
On X, President Zelenskyy posted a video of the blast and said the attack had been conducted by “a Russian attack drone with a high-explosive warhead.” He added that such tactics were of great concern to global security. This shelter was constructed by Ukraine along with the rest of the countries of Europe and the world, along with America – all those who believe in true security for mankind,” Zelenskyy added.
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
He subsequently condemned Russia as the sole nation in the world that was bombarding nuclear facilities, occupying nuclear power plants, and waging war without caring about the consequences.
Zelenskyy underscored the seriousness of the situation, declaring, “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.”
IAEA Monitors Chernobyl Attack Aftermath
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which has staff based at the ChoChernobylrnobyl facility, confirmed the blast at about 1:50 am on Thursday. According to the agency, the blast, which was due to a drone attack, resulted in a fire that was eventually put out. The IAEA, however, confirmed that the internal structure protecting the reactor, which is contained within the New Safe Confinement, was not damaged.
“Fire safety personnel and vehicles responded within minutes. At this moment, there is no indication of a breach in the NSC’s inner containment. Radiation levels inside and outside remain normal and stable. No casualties were reported. IAEA continues monitoring the situation,” stated the IAEA.
During the night of 13-14 Feb, at around 01:50, IAEA team at the Chornobyl site heard an explosion coming from the New Safe Confinement, which protects the remains of reactor 4 of the former Chornobyl NPP, causing a fire. They were informed that a UAV had struck the NSC roof. pic.twitter.com/Ee5NSRgDo8
— IAEA – International Atomic Energy Agency ⚛️ (@iaeaorg) February 14, 2025
While the IAEA reported no immediate radiation danger, the attack has raised concern over the vulnerability of nuclear facilities amid the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Zelenskyy Attributes Attack to Wider Russian Strategy
President Zelenskyy also attributed the drone attack to Russia’s overall policy of hitting vital Ukrainian infrastructure. Since the start of the war, Russia has repeatedly targeted power plants, railways, and other strategic infrastructure throughout Ukraine. Zelenskyy implied that these attacks, including the Chernobyl attack, reflect Russian President Vladimir Putin’s absence of intention to participate in serious negotiations to bring an end to the war.
“Russia launches such attacks every evening on Ukraine’s infrastructure and cities. Russia doesn’t stop its military expansion and demonstrates no adjustment in its state of derangement and anti-human rhetoric. What this implies is that Putin certainly isn’t making preparations for the negotiations — he is preparing to go on deceiving the world. For this reason, there should be concerted pressure on all those caring about life — pressure against the aggressor. Russia needs to be made answerable for the actions,” Zelenskyy said.
Global Concerns and Calls for Accountability
The Chernobyl incident highlights the continued dangers of nuclear safety in war-torn areas, particularly as the conflict in Ukraine rages on. The global community has expressed alarm at the possibility of more attacks on nuclear facilities and the long-term implications for international security.
While the IAEA continues to keep watch, demands for accountability and increased global pressure on Russia grow.
