Bombed Chornobyl shelter no longer blocks radiation and needs major repair – IAEA

The protective structure that encases the destroyed Chernobyl reactor is no longer fully functional after a drone attack carried out by Russia.

This is the conclusion of the latest inspection by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which once again raises concerns about nuclear safety in an area that has been a symbol of catastrophe since 1986.

A Russian drone equipped with an explosive charge struck the massive dome known as the “New Safe Confinement.” Hundreds of holes were created in its outer shell, a fire broke out in the insulating layers, and according to experts, the damage has weakened the structure’s ability to contain the radioactive materials inside.

The IAEA says there is no radiation leakage and that the main monitoring systems continue to operate, but today Chernobyl is more vulnerable than it was a year ago.

In late autumn, another wave of Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid caused power outages even in the exclusion zone surrounding the plant, briefly endangering stabilization systems. Although emergency generators took over, the incident showed how little it takes for the situation to spiral out of control.

Ukraine accuses Russia of directly striking a site considered a prohibited zone under international rules of war. Although Moscow denies the attack, the IAEA’s findings and the verified damage on the ground make it clear that the structure was hit, The Guardian reports.

Unlike active reactors, Chernobyl cannot be rebuilt or restarted. The site still contains tons of nuclear waste left from the 1986 explosion. Any serious damage to the dome increases the risk of that material being released into the environment, especially if strikes continue or if extreme weather worsens the situation.

Experts warn that rebuilding the affected parts will require years of work and major investment. Until then, any new attack poses a threat not only to Ukraine but to much of Europe.

The IAEA has called for international support and increased protection of the area.

The war in Ukraine has brought back into focus an issue that seemed settled decades ago: How vulnerable are nuclear legacy sites in a modern conflict? Chernobyl, unfortunately, is the clearest example. /TheGeopost.