🔗 Share this article Chernobyl Disaster Shelter No Longer Blocks Radiation, Needs Significant Repair – International Atomic Energy Agency A protective shield covering the Chernobyl nuclear reactor in Ukraine can no longer perform its primary function of blocking radiation, as announced by the IAEA. This failure follows a drone strike earlier this year that blew a hole in the structure. Damage from Aerial Attack Degrades Containment System An attack by an unmanned aerial vehicle in the second month of the year severely damaged the so-called “New Safe Confinement” arch. This enormous protective structure, constructed for €1.5bn and completed in 2019, was intended to contain radiation over the long term. An IAEA assessment mission found that the drone impact had degraded the integrity of the steel confinement. The containment arch's main safety functions, such as confinement, are no longer operational, stated IAEA director general Rafael Grossi. Grossi noted that the mission confirmed no permanent damage to key support structures or sensor systems. Background Context of the Chornobyl Shelter The initial 1986 disaster at Chornobyl – at a time when Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union – spewed radioactive fallout across Europe. During a frantic response, Soviet engineers built a concrete “sarcophagus” over the damaged reactor, but it had a 30-year lifespan. The new confinement was erected to enable the future dismantling of the old sarcophagus, the damaged reactor building, and the molten fuel within. Current Situation and Required Actions While some repairs have been carried out, agency officials stressed that a full-scale repair effort is essential. This is required to prevent further degradation and to guarantee long-term nuclear safety. Officials in Ukraine had stated that a drone armed with a powerful explosive hit the plant, causing a fire and compromising the protective cladding. Radiation Levels: Reports indicated background radiation stayed within safe limits following the attack with no indication of any leakage. Conflict Background: Russian forces occupied the Chernobyl exclusion zone for more than 30 days in the early phase of the full-scale war. Broader Inspection: The agency carried out this review alongside a country-wide assessment of conflict-related damage to Ukraine's power substations. The situation underscore the ongoing vulnerabilities at one of the world's most notorious atomic accident locations during continued armed conflict.