Overview
- An IAEA inspection in early December concluded the steel arch over reactor 4 no longer performs its primary safety functions after a February 14 drone impact.
- The strike caused a large fire that damaged the NSC’s external cladding, though radiation readings stayed normal and no leak was detected.
- Inspectors reported no permanent damage to load‑bearing elements or to the site’s monitoring systems.
- The agency urged comprehensive restoration, including humidity control, updated corrosion monitoring and modernization of automated surveillance, with EBRD‑supported temporary repairs slated for 2026.
- Ukraine accuses Russia of the attack and Moscow denies responsibility, highlighting the nuclear safety risks of ongoing conflict near critical facilities.