UN Warns of Chernobyl Radiation Shield's Compromised Safety After Drone Attack

Mon Dec 08 2025 12:36:37 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A recent drone strike has rendered the protective shield over Chernobyl incapable of performing its safety functions, according to a UN agency. Repair efforts are deemed crucial to prevent further degradation.

A protective shield over the Chernobyl nuclear reactor has lost its primary safety functions following a drone strike attributed to Russia, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The agency stressed the urgency of repairs to maintain safety, while an environmental expert reassured that the risk remains low due to existing containment measures.

A protective shield covering the Chernobyl nuclear reactor in Ukraine can no longer provide its main containment function following a drone strike earlier this year, according to a UN watchdog.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors found that the massive structure, built over the site of the 1986 nuclear disaster, had lost its primary safety functions including the confinement capability.

In February, Ukraine accused Russia of targeting the power plant - a claim the Kremlin denied.

The IAEA said repairs were essential to prevent further degradation of the nuclear shelter. However, environmental expert Jim Smith told the BBC: It is not something to panic about.

Prof Smith from the University of Portsmouth in the UK, who has studied the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster, explained that the biggest danger linked to the site was disturbing radioactive dust.

Nevertheless, he stated that the risk is low because contaminated dust is contained within a thick concrete sarcophagus which is protected by the outer shield.

The 1986 explosion at Chernobyl blasted radioactive material into the air, causing a public health emergency across Europe, which led to the construction of the sarcophagus over the nuclear reactor.

This containment structure had a lifespan of 30 years, necessitating the protective shell's construction to prevent the leakage of radioactive material over the next century.

The IAEA reported that a team had completed a safety assessment of the site last week after it was severely damaged by the drone strike, which also caused a fire in the outer cladding of the steel structure.

Inspectors noted that there was no permanent damage to the shell's load-bearing structures or monitoring systems, and some roof repairs had been carried out.

IAEA director general Rafael Grossi stated: Timely and comprehensive restoration remains essential to prevent further degradation and ensure long-term nuclear safety.

Since the beginning of December, the UN's nuclear watchdog has been assessing Ukraine's energy infrastructure as the country continues to fend off attacks from Russia.

Reports indicate that Russia launched airstrikes on the city of Kremenchuk, a major industrial hub in Ukraine, just overnight.

Alongside Chernobyl, the IAEA has been inspecting electrical substations vital for nuclear safety and security, ensuring reactors receive the electricity needed for cooling and safety systems as well as distributing electricity to households and industries.