The sarcophagus at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant cannot withstand: Ukrainians were warned about the radiation threat
фото: Reuters
The new safe confinement at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant lost its essential safety functions, including its ability to contain radiation, after being severely damaged by a Russian drone strike in February 2025.
This is evidenced by the results of a comprehensive safety assessment conducted by the IAEA team last week, as announced by Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi.
It is noted that the incident caused a large fire in the outer skin of the steel structure, built to prevent any radioactive release.
“Limited temporary repairs have been made to the roof, but timely and comprehensive restoration remains essential to prevent further degradation and ensure long-term nuclear safety,” said Director General Grossi.
The IAEA stressed that the protective dome had lost its primary functions, including its ability to contain hazardous materials, but the mission confirmed that the supporting structures and monitoring systems had not suffered permanent damage.
Based on the IAEA findings, further remedial and protective works are recommended, including moisture control measures and an updated corrosion monitoring program. Additional temporary repairs to restore the confinement function will begin at the site in 2026, with EBRD support.
Recall, on the night of February 14, 2025, a Russian strike drone equipped with a high-explosive warhead attacked the Chernobyl nuclear power plant . The drone’s target was the “Shelter” facility, which protects the destroyed fourth power unit from radiation.
The feature of the attack that made it successful was the ultra-low flight altitude of the Russian drone. The device was flying at an altitude of only 85 meters, which made it impossible for standard air defense systems to detect and intercept it in time.
On March 7, rescuers managed to eliminate the remains of smoldering debris in the protective shell of the fourth power unit of the Chernobyl NPP. At the time, the government stated that the radiation situation at the Chernobyl NPP was unchanged and was under constant control.
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