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A containment structure covering the Chernobyl reactor core in Ukraine has lost its main safety function of containing radioactive material, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This loss of function follows a drone attack earlier this year that blew a hole in the protective shell.

Damage from Drone Strike Compromises Safety Structure

An attack by an unmanned aerial vehicle in the second month of the year caused a breach in the multibillion-euro “New Safe Confinement” arch. This enormous protective structure, built at a cost of €1.5bn with work finishing in 2019, was designed to seal off radioactive material for decades. An IAEA assessment mission found that the strike had weakened the integrity of the steel arch.

The [protective structure] had lost its primary safety functions, including the confinement capability, said IAEA head Rafael Grossi. Grossi noted that the mission confirmed no permanent damage to its load-bearing structures or monitoring systems.

Historical Context of the Chernobyl Shelter

The original 1986 explosion at the Chernobyl plant – at a time when Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union – released radioactive fallout over much of Europe. In a hurried response, Soviet authorities constructed a concrete “sarcophagus” over the ruined reactor, though it possessed only a three-decade design life. The new confinement was erected to allow for the eventual dismantling of the old sarcophagus, the destroyed reactor hall, and the melted nuclear fuel itself.

Current Situation and Required Actions

Although limited repair work has been done, agency officials emphasized that a full-scale repair effort is essential. This is needed to stop additional deterioration and to ensure safety for the coming decades. Officials in Ukraine previously reported that a drone carrying a powerful explosive hit the plant, causing a fire and damaging the outer shielding.

• Radiation Readings: Reports indicated radiation levels remained normal and stable following the attack with no indication of radiation leaks.
• Geopolitical Context: Moscow's troops occupied the Chernobyl exclusion zone for more than 30 days during the initial phase of the full-scale war.
• Wider Assessment: The IAEA conducted this review concurrently with a nationwide survey of conflict-related damage to Ukraine's electricity infrastructure.

The situation highlight the ongoing vulnerabilities at one of the the planet's most infamous atomic accident locations during ongoing armed conflict.