A Russian drone attack on the Chernobyl nuclear power plant's radiation shelter has sparked concerns about nuclear safety in Ukraine. While initial assessments indicate no radiation leaks, the incident highlights the ongoing risks posed by military activity near nuclear facilities.
A Russian drone carrying a high-explosive warhead caused significant damage to the radiation shelter of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant overnight, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Friday. Chernobyl , the site of the world's worst civil nuclear catastrophe in 1986 when one of its four reactors exploded, is now protected by a massive shelter known as a sarcophagus to contain the lingering radiation.
The Russian drone strike targeted the shelter of the destroyed reactor, igniting a fire that was subsequently extinguished, Zelensky stated. \He reassured that as of now, radiation levels remain stable and are under continuous monitoring, adding that an initial assessment revealed considerable damage. Russian officials have yet to issue a statement, and independent verification of Ukraine's claim of Russian responsibility is pending. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed the incident, stating it occurred at 1:50 am local time and emphasized that there is no indication of a breach in the inner containment shell of the reactor. \The three-year Russia-Ukraine war has repeatedly raised alarms about the safety of Ukraine's four nuclear power plants, particularly the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine. Zaporizhzhia, Europe's largest and one of the world's top 10 nuclear plants, has been a focal point of concern. Separately, Russia accused Ukraine of launching an artillery attack on a thermal power plant under their control in southern Ukraine, located near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station. According to Russian-installed local officials, the attack on the power plant in the city of Enerhodar occurred late on February 13th, leaving over 50,000 residents without electricity. Russian news agencies cited a nuclear plant official stating that the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant itself remained undamaged and was operating normally. IAEA chief Rafael Rossi, on social media platform X, highlighted that both the Chernobyl strike and the recent military activity near Zaporizhzhia underscore persistent nuclear safety risks, stressing that the IAEA remains on high alert
Russia-Ukraine War Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant Drone Attack Radiation Shelter Russia-Ukraine War IAEA Nuclear Safety
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Russian Drone Strikes Chernobyl Shelter, Raising Nuclear Safety ConcernsA Russian drone attack on the Chernobyl nuclear power plant's radiation shelter has sparked international alarm, highlighting the escalating dangers to Ukraine's nuclear facilities amid the ongoing war.
Read more »
Russian Drone Strikes Damaged Chernobyl ShelterA Russian drone attack targeted the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, damaging the shelter protecting the world from radiation. While the IAEA confirmed normal radiation levels, the incident raised concerns about the ongoing conflict's impact on nuclear safety.
Read more »
Ukraine Strikes Russian Oil Refinery and Microchip Plant in Drone AttackUkrainian drones targeted a major Russian oil refinery and a microelectronics plant, causing fires and significant disruption to operations. The attack, considered one of the largest by Ukraine, highlights their growing capability to strike deep inside Russia.
Read more »
Pensioner Evacuates as Ukraine Claims Drone Strikes on Russian Warehouses and RefineryA pensioner in Ukraine is evacuated from her home near the besieged city of Pokrovsk as charity workers assist her. Meanwhile, Ukraine claims to have destroyed 200 Shahed drones in an attack on warehouses in Russia's Oryol region, and reports a second consecutive drone strike on the Ryazan oil refinery.
Read more »
Briton, 18, killed by Russian drone minutes into first mission in UkraineJames Wilton, from Huddersfield, had no military experience before volunteering to fight against Russia
Read more »
Ukraine war briefing: elderly couples among nine killed in Russian drone attackThirteen people wounded, including eight-year-old girl, in Sumy apartment block attack. Sweden pledges $1.2bn in Ukraine military aid, its biggest pledge yet. What we know on day 1,073
Read more »