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Chernobyl Director Warns New Strike Could Collapse Inner Shelter

IAEA inspectors report a loss of primary safety functions, with no permanent structural damage or abnormal radiation levels.

Overview

  • Serhii Tarakanov said the internal containment might not withstand a direct or nearby hit, citing the risk of shock from weapons like Russia’s Iskander missile.
  • The New Safe Confinement was pierced in a February drone strike that ignited the outer cladding and degraded the enclosure’s core safety role.
  • Full restoration of the damaged systems is expected to take three to four years, according to the plant director.
  • A protective screen now covers the main breach, yet roughly 300 smaller openings left during firefighting still require sealing.
  • The IAEA confirms monitoring systems and load-bearing elements remain functional, as international partners discuss interim repairs and continued on-site oversight.