Overview
- The February 2025 attack pierced the outer wall, with debris reaching the inner wall nine meters below, and triggered a large blaze that damaged the outer shell.
- The internal overpressure membrane was destroyed, eliminating the barrier that kept contamination from reaching the exterior surfaces.
- IAEA monitoring reported no change in radiation levels after provisional roof repairs, though the agency warns long-term safety is at risk without full renovation.
- Repairing the damage will be technically complex and resource-intensive, potentially requiring shifting the New Safe Confinement and international funding support.
- The damage undermines plans to dismantle the old sarcophagus, and it highlights that the NSC was not designed to withstand drone attacks even as key structures and monitoring remain functional.