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Chernobyl Director Warns New Strike Could Collapse Internal Shelter

Repairs to the damaged outer confinement are expected to take three to four years.

Overview

  • A Russian drone attack in February ignited a major fire and gravely damaged the New Safe Confinement’s exterior cladding.
  • An IAEA inspection found a loss of essential safety functions, including containment capacity, though load-bearing structures and monitoring systems showed no permanent damage.
  • Plant management says the NSC has lost several primary functions and will require a multi-year program to restore them.
  • The drone impact hole is covered with a protective screen, but about 300 smaller holes made by firefighters to battle the blaze still need sealing.
  • Current radiation measurements at the site remain stable and within normal limits, according to the plant director.