A drone hit the protective shell around the Chernobyl nuclear reactor in February
A structure built to contain some of the world’s most dangerous radioactive material has lost its core safety function, according to the United Nations nuclear watchdog. Inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) say the protective shield covering the Chernobyl reactor can no longer fully perform its confinement role after being struck by a drone earlier this year, as reported by BBC News.
The vast steel shelter – formally known as the New Safe Confinement – was installed less than a decade ago to encase the aging concrete sarcophagus built after the 1986 disaster. That original structure was designed to last only 30 years, prompting the multimillion-dollar international effort to build a modern shield capable of safely trapping radioactive dust and debris for at least a century.
The IAEA says the drone strike caused fire damage to part of the structure’s outer cladding. While inspectors confirmed that key load-bearing and monitoring systems were not permanently compromised, they warned that the shield no longer guarantees its primary safety functions. Urgent repairs are now described as essential to prevent further degradation that could accelerate structural decline.
The February strike, which Ukraine blames on Russia, was part of continued conflict around critical infrastructure. Moscow denies targeting the Chernobyl site. The facility has remained inactive since its shutdown long ago, but the risks tied to its stored radioactive materials have never vanished.
Environmental scientist Prof Jim Smith from the University of Portsmouth noted that the situation should be taken seriously but not sensationalized. He explained that the most significant hazard would arise if radioactive dust inside became disturbed and escaped, and current conditions make that outcome unlikely. The thick internal sarcophagus still contains most of the harmful debris, offering a secondary layer of protection.
Still, the latest assessment underscores how war has complicated nuclear safety only meters from one of Earth’s worst radiation sites. Since early December, IAEA teams have been inspecting numerous Ukrainian energy facilities amid ongoing strikes. Director General Rafael Grossi stressed that nuclear-related infrastructure remains a global concern, especially substations that maintain electrical power for reactor cooling and emergency systems.
Chernobyl remains an enduring symbol of catastrophic energy failure and long-term environmental damage. The strike-related damage does not introduce immediate public health danger, but the event highlights how modern conflict can threaten aging nuclear infrastructure built for passive storage, not wartime resilience. Repairing the shield is now a priority to avoid escalating risks over the coming years.