Recently, Ukrainian President Zelensky reported that a Russian drone attack had been carried out on the New Security Fence (NSC) at the Chornobyl nuclear power plant. Although the attack resulted in severe damage to parts of the structure of the facility, fortunately, there were no unusual fluctuations in radiation levels. The incident has generated widespread international concern, particularly about nuclear safety and the potential environmental impact of war.
Details of the Attack Occurred
The attack took place late on the night of February 13, 2025, while the Chornobyl nuclear power plant was undergoing routine maintenance work. Russian military drones launched an attack on the “New Safety Fence” located at the Chornobyl nuclear power plant, which has been serving since 2016 as a containment facility for the wreckage of the Chornobyl nuclear reactor, to seal and isolate the radioactive material and preventing its further spread. According to the latest information from the Ukrainian authorities, the attack caused serious damage to the external structure of the fence but did not affect the internal reactor area.
International Atomic Energy Agency Confirms Normal Radiation
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) responded quickly, stating that the incident did not result in elevated levels of radiation and confirming that the radiation environment in the area around Chornobyl remains within normal limits. the IAEA also stated that despite the attack on the facility, the New Safety Fence, which was designed to allow for such events, poses no direct threat to nuclear safety. The IAEA also said that despite the attack on the facility, there was no direct threat to nuclear security because the “new security fence” was designed to accommodate such events.
Expert Analysis: Potential Impact of the Attack on Nuclear Security
Although the attack did not result in a direct nuclear or radiation leak, experts note that the incident highlights the serious threat that war poses to the safety of nuclear facilities. The Chornobyl nuclear power plant remains one of the world’s most controversial nuclear facilities, with far-reaching global repercussions from the 1986 nuclear disaster, and the area remains under strict surveillance today. Nuclear safety experts point out that violence in war could undermine the safety of other nuclear facilities, including Chernobyl, and even if the immediate nuclear reactors are not damaged, the facility’s protective structures could still be targeted.
Russia and Ukraine’s Position
The attack has increased tensions between Russia and Ukraine. The Russian side has not yet officially responded to the attack, while the Ukrainian side views the action as a serious threat to international nuclear security. The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has asked the United Nations and the international community to investigate this Russian behavior and to strengthen global nuclear safety and security.
Reaction of the Global Community
The international community generally expressed concern over the incident. UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed “deep concern” about the attack on the Chornobyl nuclear power plant and called on all parties to comply with international nuclear safety agreements to avoid further exacerbating the risks to nuclear facilities. In addition, nuclear safety experts and environmental organizations from several countries have issued statements highlighting the protection of nuclear facilities in conflict and calling for stronger global regulatory and protective measures for nuclear facilities in war.
Conclusion
Although the attack did not result in a radiation leak, it highlighted the vulnerability of nuclear facilities in war. Chornobyl, the former epicenter of nuclear disaster, has once again become the focus of global attention, and this is a further reminder to all countries that nuclear safety cannot be ignored, especially in the context of intensifying global conflicts. As events unfold, the ability of the international community to effectively strengthen nuclear safety cooperation will become an important issue in the future.
