A Russian Shahed drone strike on May 7, 2025, caused significant damage to the New Safe Confinement at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, reigniting concerns over nuclear security in Ukraine. The attack targeted the protective structure, which was built to contain radioactive materials from the 1986 nuclear disaster.
The Impact of the Strike
The drone, estimated to cost £75,000, inflicted tens of millions worth of damage to the New Safe Confinement, which was constructed at a cost of €1.5 billion with international support. Ukrainian authorities and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that while radiation levels remained stable, the structural integrity of the confinement was compromised.
Global Reactions and Accusations
Chernobyl Exclusion Zone – Duga-3 Picture on Flickr by Michael Kötter
Shaun Burnie, a senior nuclear specialist with Greenpeace Ukraine, described the attack as “a deliberate form of nuclear terror”, accusing Russia of targeting critical infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy echoed these concerns, calling the strike an attack on global nuclear security.
Russia, however, denied responsibility, dismissing the allegations as Ukrainian propaganda aimed at discrediting the Kremlin.
Urgent Repairs and Future Risks
Efforts to assess and repair the damage are underway, with Ukrainian engineers working to restore the protective cladding and prevent further deterioration. Experts warn that if the containment structure is not fully restored, the risk of long-term environmental contamination could increase.
As the war in Ukraine continues, the attack on Chernobyl underscores the persistent threat to nuclear safety, raising concerns about future strikes on critical infrastructure.
Chernobyl-Exclusion-Zone-Duga-Radar-_-Michael-Kotter-_-Flickr
