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A containment structure encasing the Chernobyl reactor core within Ukraine has lost its primary function of containing radioactive material, according to the IAEA. This failure follows a drone strike earlier this year that caused significant damage in the protective shell.

Structural Compromise from Drone Strike Degrades Safety Structure

An attack by an unmanned aerial vehicle in the second month of the year severely damaged the so-called “new safe confinement” arch. This enormous protective structure, built at a cost of €1.5bn and completed in 2019, was intended to seal off radioactive material for decades. A recent IAEA assessment mission confirmed that the strike had weakened the structural integrity of the steel confinement.

The [protective structure] had lost its primary safety functions, including the confinement capability, stated IAEA director general Rafael Grossi. Grossi noted that the mission confirmed no permanent damage to key support structures or monitoring systems.

Historical Context of the Chernobyl Containment

The initial 1986 explosion at the Chernobyl plant – which occurred when Ukraine was part of the USSR – released radioactive fallout over much of Europe. During a frantic response, Soviet authorities built a concrete shelter over the damaged reactor, though it possessed only a three-decade design life. The New Safe Confinement was constructed to enable the eventual dismantling of the original structure, the destroyed reactor hall, and the melted nuclear fuel within.

Present Status and Required Steps

Although limited repairs have been carried out, agency officials stressed that a full-scale repair effort is absolutely necessary. This is needed to prevent further degradation and to ensure long-term nuclear safety. Ukrainian authorities previously reported that a unmanned aircraft carrying a powerful explosive struck the facility, causing a fire and compromising the protective cladding.

• Radiation Levels: Authorities confirmed background radiation stayed within safe limits following the attack with no reports of any leakage.
• Conflict Background: Moscow's troops seized the Chornobyl site for more than 30 days in the early phase of the full-scale war.
• Wider Assessment: The IAEA conducted this review concurrently with a country-wide assessment of conflict-related damage to Ukraine's electricity infrastructure.

The situation underscore the persistent risks at one of the world's most notorious atomic accident locations during ongoing hostilities.