Sat Dec 06 07:37:38 UTC 2025: Headline: UN Watchdog: Drone Strike Damages Chernobyl Shield, Ukraine Blames Russia
Kyiv, Ukraine – A drone strike has compromised the protective shield encasing the destroyed reactor at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) announced Friday. The strike, which occurred in February, has degraded the shield’s ability to contain radioactive material from the 1986 explosion, according to the IAEA’s recent inspection.
Ukraine has accused Russia of carrying out the attack, while Moscow has denied involvement. The incident adds another layer of concern to the ongoing conflict between the two nations, which has already seen accusations of nuclear safety violations at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear facility.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stated that the protective structure has “lost its primary safety functions, including the confinement capability,” but noted that there was no permanent damage to load-bearing structures or monitoring systems. Repair work has commenced, but Grossi emphasized the need for comprehensive restoration to ensure long-term nuclear safety.
Ukrainian authorities reported the February drone strike involved a high-explosive warhead that caused a fire and damaged the protective cladding around Reactor Number Four. While radiation levels remained stable at the time, the incident raises concerns about potential future risks.
The attack coincides with escalating strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Overnight, Russian drone and missile attacks caused blackouts in eight Ukrainian regions. Ukraine’s Energy Ministry reported emergency repairs are underway and announced nationwide electricity restrictions due to the damage.
The news comes amidst ongoing diplomatic efforts to broker a ceasefire. US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has recently met with Ukrainian and Russian officials in separate meetings, with the US having put forward a 28 point proposal for peace.
First Piper 