The IAEA provided conclusions on the state of the shelter of the Chornobyl nuclear power plant after the Russian attack
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) conducted an inspection of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant shelter, which was damaged by a Russian drone attack. By information experts, as a result of the attack, a hole was formed in the roof of the New Secure Confinement (NSC). This arc-shaped shelter, covering the old sarcophagus of the fourth power unit of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, is designed to contain the spread of radioactive substances.
On the spot, experts detected smoke and the smell of burning plastic. The reason for smoldering is the flammable materials contained in the confinement roof lining. During the inspection, it was established that both the outer and inner shells of the arch, as well as separate equipment and electric cables, were damaged. The hole in the structure reaches approximately 6 meters in diameter, but the support beams did not suffer significant damage.
Repair work will begin after the complete elimination of decay. At the same time, the IAEA confirmed that the level of radiation at the site remained unchanged, as reported by Ukrainian government officials. For further monitoring of the situation, the authorities of Ukraine plan to install additional sensors to measure the power of the radiation dose and the concentration of radioactive aerosols near the affected area.
We will remind you that on the night of February 14, Russia carried out a massive attack on Ukraine, using 133 Shahed drones and simulator drones. Ukrainian air defense forces destroyed 73 enemy aircraft, another 58 were lost in location. During this attack, a Russian drone with an explosive warhead hit the New Safe Confinement of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. As a result of the impact, several damages were caused, and rescuers discovered foci of decomposition.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi said that the attack on the Chernobyl nuclear power plant was deliberate, as the Russian drone was flying at a low altitude, which indicates the purposefulness of the attack. In this regard, law enforcement agencies of Ukraine initiated a criminal case under Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine – violation of the laws and customs of war.
