🔗 Share this article Chornobyl Catastrophe Shelter Can No Longer Effectively Blocks Radiation, Needs Significant Restoration – IAEA A protective shield covering the Chornobyl nuclear reactor in Ukraine has lost its main function of blocking radiation, according to the IAEA. This loss of function comes after a drone attack in February that blew a hole in the structure. Damage from Drone Strike Compromises Safety Structure An attack by an unmanned aerial vehicle in the second month of the year caused a breach in the so-called “New Safe Confinement” arch. This massive shield, built at a cost of €1.5bn with work finishing in 2019, was designed to contain radiation for decades. An IAEA inspection last week confirmed that the strike had degraded the integrity of the steel confinement. The [protective structure] had lost its primary safety functions, including the confinement capability, stated IAEA director general Rafael Grossi. Grossi noted that inspectors found no permanent damage to key support structures or sensor systems. Background Context of the Chornobyl Shelter The original 1986 disaster at Chornobyl – which occurred when Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union – spewed radiation across Europe. During a frantic containment effort, Soviet authorities constructed a concrete “sarcophagus” over the ruined reactor, but it had a three-decade design life. The new confinement was erected to enable the future decommissioning of the original structure, the damaged reactor building, and the melted nuclear fuel itself. Current Situation and Required Steps Although limited repairs have been carried out, the IAEA stressed that comprehensive restoration is absolutely necessary. This is needed to prevent further degradation and to ensure long-term nuclear safety. Ukrainian authorities had stated that a drone armed with a high-explosive warhead hit the plant, causing a fire and compromising the outer shielding. Radiation Readings: Reports indicated radiation levels remained within safe limits following the attack with no reports of radiation leaks. Geopolitical Context: Moscow's troops seized 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 concurrently with a nationwide survey of war damage to Ukraine's electricity infrastructure. These developments highlight the persistent risks at one of the world's most notorious nuclear disaster sites amid ongoing hostilities.