Chernobyl radiation shield 'lost safety function' after drone strike, UN watchdog says

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete December 7, 2025 at 01:09 PM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

A UN watchdog, the IAEA, reports that the protective shield over the Chernobyl nuclear reactor in Ukraine has lost its primary containment function due to a drone strike earlier this year. While Ukraine blamed Russia for the attack, the Kremlin denied involvement. The IAEA assessment, conducted after the strike caused a fire, found no damage to load-bearing structures or monitoring systems, but noted the need for repairs to prevent further degradation and ensure long-term nuclear safety. Although the concrete sarcophagus within the shield still contains radioactive dust, experts emphasize the importance of maintaining the shield's integrity. The IAEA has been assessing Ukraine's energy infrastructure, including electrical substations crucial for nuclear power plant safety, since December.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Ukraine ×240% Jim Smith 50% Rafael Grossi 50% International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) ×380% Chernobyl ×6100%

Keywords

chernobyl 100% radiation shield 90% nuclear safety 80% iaea 70% drone strike 70% radioactive material 60% nuclear reactor 60% ukraine 50% sarcophagus 50% degradation 40%