Background on Chernobyl and its Protective Structure
Chernobyl, the site of the worst nuclear disaster in history in 1986, is now under threat due to ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. The protective structure, known as the “sarcophagus,” was completed in 2016 and encases the damaged reactor of Unit Four to prevent radioactive material release.
Russian Attack on Chernobyl’s Protective Structure
According to Ukraine’s Energy Ministry, a Russian artillery attack has left the protective structure surrounding part of the Chernobyl nuclear plant without power. The incident, reported on Wednesday via Telegram, affected the New Safe Confinement (NSC), a crucial installation that isolates the destroyed Unit Four reactor and prevents radioactive material release into the environment.
Current Situation and Ukrainian Response
Specialists are working to restore power to the NSC, though specific consequences of the blackout have not been disclosed. Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky, has accused Russia of being a “global threat.” He stated on Facebook that each day Russia prolongs the war, refuses a full and reliable ceasefire, and continues bombing Ukrainian energy sites—including those vital for nuclear power plant and other nuclear facility security—poses a global threat.
Previous Incidents and Context
In February, a Russian drone attack damaged the protective structure but did not increase radiation levels in the surrounding area, according to Ukrainian authorities.
The Chernobyl disaster in 1986, when Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union, resulted in extensive radioactive contamination across Europe, primarily affecting Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in late February 2022, both nations have accused each other of targeting nuclear facilities, raising concerns with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Russian forces initially seized the decommissioned Chernobyl plant on the first day of their offensive but withdrew a month later. Moscow also took control of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe’s largest nuclear facility, which remains under their control.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the protective structure called? The protective structure surrounding part of the Chernobyl nuclear plant is known as the “New Safe Confinement” or “sarcophagus.”
- What happened during the recent Russian attack? The attack left the NSC without power, prompting specialists to work on restoring electricity.
- What is the significance of the Chernobyl disaster? The 1986 Chernobyl disaster was the worst nuclear accident in history, contaminating extensive territories in Europe.
- What is the current status of nuclear facilities in Ukraine? Russia controls the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, while the decommissioned Chernobyl plant was briefly occupied at the start of the invasion.
