Chornobyl

Chornobyl, the site of a major nuclear disaster in 1986, is back in the news due to damage sustained to its protective shelter. The "new safe confinement," a structure built to contain radiation from the destroyed reactor, was struck by a drone in February, according to the IAEA. This damage has compromised the shelter's primary function of blocking radiation, necessitating major repairs. The incident highlights the ongoing vulnerability of nuclear sites in conflict zones, especially in Ukraine. This comes amidst broader concerns about the safety of nuclear facilities in Ukraine, as Russian attacks on energy infrastructure could potentially cut power to nuclear plants, increasing the risk of accidents. The compromised state of the Chornobyl shelter underscores the continued relevance of the site as a potential source of environmental and safety hazards, even decades after the initial disaster.