Chernobyl's Protective Shield Damaged, UN Agency Confirms
Chernobyl, Ukraine — The new safe confinement (NSC) at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, constructed to contain the radioactive material from the 1986 nuclear disaster, has been severely damaged and can no longer perform its primary safety functions, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed. The damage was caused by a drone attack in February, a strike Ukraine has attributed to Russia, though Moscow denies targeting the plant.
Background and Context
Chernobyl, the site of the world's most catastrophic nuclear disaster in 1986, was in May 1997 one of the most radioactive places in the world, according to Folha de S.Paulo. The NSC, a €1.5bn ($1.75bn) shield built to block radiation, was damaged in a drone strike, which Ukraine blamed on Russia, reported The Guardian. The structure was completed in 2019 by a Europe-led initiative and was erected next to the destroyed reactor and then hauled into place on tracks.
Key Developments
According to Ukrinform, the IAEA stated that the NSC has lost its primary safety functions following the drone attack. However, the main structures and monitoring systems did not sustain irreversible damage, needing comprehensive restoration. The IAEA has been conducting special missions at Ukraine’s energy infrastructure facilities from December 1 to 12, 2025, which are critical for the safety of nuclear power plants.
South China Morning Post and The Hindu report that the UN nuclear watchdog confirmed that the protective shield can no longer perform its main safety function due to the damage caused by the drone attack. In addition, Al Jazeera English and The Times of Israel stated that Ukraine accused Russia of carrying out the drone strike that degraded the shield in February.
Radiation levels at Zaporozhye NPP comply with standards, no threats, TASS reports, further emphasizing that the station is operating in accordance with safety requirements.
Implications and Reactions
Following the damage to the protective shield, Corriere della Sera and ANSA revealed that the IAEA inspectors have raised an alarm, stating that urgent works are needed to secure the power plant. Meanwhile, Belarus has expressed serious concern over the incident to the IAEA, urging the need for ensuring transparency and timely exchange of information in the area of nuclear safety as reported by TASS.
Kyiv Independent and La Repubblica highlight that the Russian drone strike caused a fire that burned the outer cladding of the shelter, leading to the loss in containment capacity.
Current Status and Conclusion
Despite the damage to the protective shield, the IAEA confirmed that radiation levels remain normal. However, the IAEA has stressed that the nuclear site covering needs to be urgently repaired to prevent any potential radioactive losses. As the situation unfolds, the world watches as efforts to restore the safety functions of the Chernobyl nuclear plant continue.