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IAEA Says Chernobyl Shelter No Longer Ensures Containment After Drone Strike

The U.N. agency urges complete repairs to ensure long-term nuclear safety.

Overview

  • An inspection last week found the New Safe Confinement's primary safety function compromised, with no permanent damage to load-bearing structures or monitoring systems.
  • The IAEA reported that initial repairs have been carried out but called for a full restoration to prevent further degradation and secure the site for the long term.
  • Ukraine says a high-explosive drone struck the enclosure on February 14 and released video of the impact and fire, while Russia denies responsibility.
  • Radiation levels remained normal at the time of the attack, and no releases were reported by the agency.
  • Completed in 2016 for about €2 billion from roughly 40 donors and designed for a 100-year lifespan, the shelter's upkeep has been complicated since Russian forces occupied the plant in 2022.