Firefighting ongoing at Chornobyl NPP following Russian drone strike

Ukraine's Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources reported the information.

According to their data, as of 7:00 a.m., fluctuations in current levels are within the usual limits for each site. The radiation situation is being monitored. 

Based on the results of the arch inspection, it became clear that the drone attack caused damage to the outer cladding. Additionally, there was through damage over an area of up to 15 square meters.

Experts identified defects in the cladding and damage to the internal filler. Several bolted joints were also destroyed.

Furthermore, the joints of the upper part of the maintenance garage were deformed on the supporting structures.

Russian drone hits Chornobyl NPP power unit

On the night of February 14, a Russian UAV carrying a high-explosive warhead struck the shelter of Chornobyl's Unit 4, causing significant damage. The following day, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha met with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi to discuss the incident, and the Ministry of Energy urged the IAEA to intensify efforts to prevent attacks on nuclear facilities.

On February 16, International Atomic Energy Agency representatives inspected the Chornobyl shelter. They observed that the drone strike damaged the outer and inner shells of the arch, leaving a hole about 6 meters in diameter and damaging some equipment and electrical cables. However, the supporting beams were not significantly affected.

Repairs are expected to begin once the fire is fully extinguished. Meanwhile, IAEA officials confirmed that radiation levels at the site remain unchanged, consistent with reports from Ukrainian authorities.

On February 17, three centers of smoldering roof insulation were discovered at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, and efforts to eliminate the fires are ongoing.