🔗 Share this article Chornobyl Disaster Shelter Can No Longer Effectively Blocks Harmful Radiation, Needs Major Restoration – International Atomic Energy Agency A protective shield covering the Chernobyl reactor core within Ukraine has lost its main function of blocking radiation, according to the IAEA. This failure comes after a drone attack in February that caused significant damage in the structure. Structural Compromise from Aerial Attack Compromises Safety Structure A drone strike in the second month of the year caused a breach in the so-called “New Safe Confinement” structure. This massive shield, built at a cost of €1.5bn and completed in 2019, was intended to contain radiation over the long term. A recent IAEA inspection last week confirmed that the drone impact had degraded the structural integrity of the steel confinement. The [protective structure] had lost its primary safety functions, including the confinement capability, said IAEA head Rafael Grossi. Grossi noted that inspectors found no permanent damage to key support structures or sensor systems. Background Context of the Chornobyl Containment The original 1986 explosion at the Chernobyl plant – at a time when Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union – released radiation across Europe. In a hurried containment effort, Soviet engineers constructed a concrete “sarcophagus” over the ruined reactor, though it possessed only a 30-year lifespan. The new confinement was constructed to enable the eventual dismantling of the old sarcophagus, the destroyed reactor hall, and the molten fuel within. Present Status and Required Actions Although limited repairs have been carried out, the IAEA stressed that a full-scale repair effort is essential. This is needed to prevent further degradation and to ensure long-term nuclear safety. Officials in Ukraine previously reported that a unmanned aircraft armed with a powerful explosive struck the plant, igniting a blaze and compromising the protective cladding. Radiation Levels: Authorities confirmed radiation levels remained normal and stable following the attack with no indication of radiation leaks. Conflict Background: Moscow's troops occupied the Chornobyl site for more than 30 days during the initial phase of the 2022 invasion. Wider Assessment: The IAEA carried out this review alongside a country-wide assessment of war damage to Ukraine's electricity infrastructure. These developments underscore the persistent risks at one of the the planet's most notorious atomic accident locations during continued hostilities.