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A containment structure covering the Chernobyl reactor core in Ukraine has lost its main function of containing radioactive material, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This failure follows a drone strike earlier this year that blew a hole in the protective shell.

Damage from Drone Strike Degrades Containment Structure

An attack by an unmanned aerial vehicle in February caused a breach in the multibillion-euro “New Safe Confinement” arch. This massive shield, constructed for €1.5bn with work finishing in 2019, was designed to seal off radioactive material over the long term. An IAEA assessment mission 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 head Rafael Grossi. He added that the mission confirmed no lasting harm to its load-bearing structures or monitoring systems.

Historical Context of the Chernobyl Containment

The initial 1986 explosion at the Chernobyl plant – at a time when Ukraine was a republic within the Soviet Union – spewed radiation over much of Europe. During a frantic containment effort, Soviet authorities built a concrete shelter over the ruined reactor, though it possessed only a 30-year lifespan. The New Safe Confinement was erected to allow for the future decommissioning of the old sarcophagus, the destroyed reactor hall, and the molten fuel itself.

Current Situation and Required Steps

While some repair work has been done, agency officials emphasized that a full-scale repair effort is absolutely necessary. This is required to stop additional deterioration and to ensure safety for the coming decades. Ukrainian authorities previously reported that a unmanned aircraft armed with a high-explosive warhead struck the facility, causing a fire and compromising the protective cladding.

• Radiation Levels: Reports indicated radiation levels stayed normal and stable after the incident with no indication of radiation leaks.
• Conflict Background: Russian forces occupied the Chornobyl site for over a month in the early stages of the 2022 invasion.
• Broader Inspection: The agency conducted this inspection alongside a nationwide survey of war damage to Ukraine's power substations.

These developments underscore the ongoing vulnerabilities at one of the the planet's most notorious nuclear disaster sites during continued hostilities.