Chornobyl attack: Drones unlikely to damage energy block but may weaken protection, expert says

He discussed the issue on Espreso TV.

"The attack on February 14 by a Russian drone on the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant poses a danger, but currently, there is no immediate threat. The radiation contamination level around the new safe confinement (the isolation arch structure) is acceptable, and nothing critical has happened. Russia is attempting to provoke a significant environmental impact from the old shelter object, located under the confinement, and all the consequences that may arise from the release of dust. We can't expect anything good from our enemies," said the nuclear energy expert.

According to him, such drones cannot destroy the remains of the former damaged 4th energy block, that is, the shelter object under the confinement.

"However, strikes by such drones could result in moisture penetration, which was one of the reasons the confinement was built. It is designed to protect against atmospheric precipitation, such as rain and snow. If the Russians destroy this confinement, there will be a risk of moisture entering the interior of the shelter, to the remains of the 4th energy block. This infiltration of moisture could indeed pose a significant environmental threat, as it would increase the criticality of the remaining fuel inside the 4th energy block," noted Lytvynskyi.

• A Russian UAV with a bomb warhead hit the shelter of the 4th energy block at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant during the night of February 14, causing significant damage.
• Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha met with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi and discussed the incident at Chornobyl.