VIDEO | Russian drone attack damages Chornobyl nuclear plant shelter, says Zelenskyy

A Russian drone strike overnight caused significant damage to the radiation protection structure of the fourth unit of the Chornobyl nuclear power plant, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Friday, the 14th of February, reports Reuters.
Chornobyl was the site of the world’s worst nuclear accident in 1986 when one of its four reactors exploded. The reactor is now surrounded by a containment shell, known as a sarcophagus, to limit any residual radiation.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said that at around 01:50 on the night from the the 13th to the 14th of February, an IAEA team monitoring the Chornobyl nuclear power plant heard an explosion in the containment shield protecting the fourth reactor that was destroyed at the former NPP, resulting in a fire. They were informed that a drone had hit the roof of the containment structure.

During the night of 13-14 Feb, at around 01:50, IAEA team at the Chornobyl site heard an explosion coming from the New Safe Confinement, which protects the remains of reactor 4 of the former Chornobyl NPP, causing a fire. They were informed that a UAV had struck the NSC roof. pic.twitter.com/Ee5NSRgDo8
— IAEA – International Atomic Energy Agency ⚛️ (@iaeaorg) February 14, 2025

‼️ BREAKING: Russian attack drone strikes Chernobyl nuclear plant – Zelenskyy
“A Russian attack drone with a high-explosive warhead struck the protective shelter covering the ruined 4th reactor of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant last night.
This shelter was built by Ukraine… pic.twitter.com/2WCXyZXEjp
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) February 14, 2025

Firefighting teams had responded quickly, radiation levels were normal, and no casualties were reported, the IAEA said.
IAEA chief Rafael Grossi warned that the Chornobyl accident and the increased military activity near the Zaporizhzhia NPP were indications of a permanent nuclear risk.
“There is no room for complacency and the IAEA remains on high alert,” he said.
Zelenskyy said a Russian drone hit the roof of the destroyed power block at the plant, causing a fire which has now been extinguished.
“So far, the radiation level has not increased and is being constantly monitored,” Zelensky said, adding that an initial assessment showed significant damage.
“The only country in the world that attacks such facilities, occupies nuclear power plants and wages war without considering the consequences is today’s Russia,” he said.
Ukraine’s State Emergency Service said an engine from a Shahed-136 drone was found at the scene. 
Russia fired 133 drones overnight as preparations for potential peace talks on the Ukraine war between US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin kicked off.