The protective shell of the ChNPP reactor no longer performs its primary functions after being struck by a drone, the International Atomic Energy Agency reported. It emphasized the need for complete restoration of the sarcophagus, DW writes.
The protective shell of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant (ChNPP) is no longer able to perform its main functions after being damaged by a drone, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported on Friday, December 5. According to the agency's Director General Rafael Grossi, inspections confirmed that "the protective shell has lost its primary safety functions, including the ability to contain radiation."
At the same time, specialists established that the load-bearing structures and monitoring systems did not sustain long-term damage. Initial repair work has already been carried out, but Grossi emphasized that a complete restoration of the sarcophagus is necessary to ensure long-term nuclear safety.
The protective shell, or sarcophagus, was built over the decommissioned Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant to prevent further leakage of radioactive materials following the 1986 nuclear disaster. The international community raised €2.2 billion for this project. In February of this year, the UN reported that the facility was struck by a drone with a powerful warhead. According to the IAEA, the drone strike caused a major fire in the outer cladding of the protective arch, compromising its design parameters for containing contamination and protecting against external factors.
Ukraine accused Russia of this attack, but Russia denied any involvement. According to measurements taken at the time, radiation levels remained normal and stable.
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