Ukrainians thought they had reduced the risks at Chernobyl. Then Russia invaded
Summary
A Russian drone strike on the Chernobyl nuclear plant in 2025 damaged the New Safe Confinement structure, threatening the site’s safety and halting dismantling efforts years after the 1986 disaster.
Key Points
- The Chernobyl nuclear power plant was struck by a Russian drone in 2025, damaging its New Safe Confinement structure.
- The attack sparked a fire but caused no immediate rise in radiation levels or injuries.
- The damage threatens to shorten the structure’s intended 100-year lifespan and has paused dismantling operations at the site.
- The 2022 Russian invasion and attacks like the 2025 drone strike have heightened fears around nuclear facility safety in Ukraine.
