On the night of 13 to 14 February 2025 there was a disturbing incidental at the Chernobyl atomic Power Plant.
According to Ukrainian information, a Russian impact drone, armed with an explosive device, hit the protective sarcophagus of reactor number 4 – an object that has been aiming at preventing radiation emissions into the atmosphere since 1986. Information about the attack was provided by the president of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenski, pointing out that the attack did not lead to an increase in radiation levels, but caused a fire that was rapidly extinguished.
Ukrainian position: ‘This is evidence of Russian terrorism’
The president of Ukraine commented in harsh words on the event, indicating that Russia one more time proves its aggressive and irresponsible military policy.
"This is apparent evidence that Putin is not curious in peace negotiations. What country is attacking atomic power plants? Only modern Russia. This is simply a global terrorist threat to which the planet must react," wrote Zelenski on his authoritative channel on Telegram.
Andrij Jermak, head of the Chancellery of the president of Ukraine, announced that the case would be raised at the Munich safety Conference, where Ukrainian officials intend to present evidence confirming Russian work for the attack. The Ukrainians are distributing the video as evidence.
The IAEA's global concerns and reaction
The global Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed the incident, stating that its experts in Chernobyl had heard the explosion.
"We confirm that there has been an attack on the outer sarcophagus of Chernobyl power plant. Fortunately, the interior protective structure of the reactor has not been breached,” said the IAEA in its authoritative communication.
Rafael Grossi, the head of the IAEA, stressed in his entry on social media that "an attack on an object of specified advanced atomic importance is simply a serious safety breach and could have disastrous consequences for the full world." The organisation has ensured that it will proceed to monitor the situation to prevent possible radiation threats.
The State Atomics Agency (PAA) has calmed down that the incidental does not pose a safety threat in Poland. The radiation situation in the country is monitored on an ongoing basis, and early detection stations have not reported any alarming indications.
Kremlin denies: “This is Ukrainian provocation”
Russia immediately rejected the accusations, identifying them as part of Ukrainian propaganda strategy. The Kremlin spokesman, Dmitri Doskov, stated in an interview with the media:
"There have been no attacks on atomic infrastructure. This is another misinformation spread by Kiev to discredit Russia and torpedo diplomatic attempts to end the conflict."
Peskov besides added that “Ukraine deliberately manipulates facts to influence the position of the global community, especially before the Munich safety Conference. It is simply a desperate effort to divert attention from the real situation on the front, where the Russian army succeeds further.”
Experts warn: any atomic safety breach can be catastrophic
Nuclear energy experts agree that hitting an object with specified sensitivity as the Chernobyl atomic Power Plant, even if it did not origin an immediate radiation hazard, is simply a dangerous precedent.
"Any attack on atomic infrastructure increases the hazard of environmental contamination and can lead to uncontrolled escalation of conflict," comments prof. Robert Kelley, erstwhile IAEA inspector.
In fresh years, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, peculiar attention has been paid to the threats associated with the business of the Zaporosian atomic Power Plant. The dam power plant is the largest specified facility in Europe and 1 of the 10 largest in the world. During the 3 years of conflict, there have been multiple incidents that could jeopardise its stability.
