🔗 Share this article Chornobyl Disaster Containment Structure No Longer Effectively Blocks Harmful Radiation, Needs Significant Restoration – IAEA The protective shield covering the Chornobyl nuclear reactor in Ukraine has lost its main safety function of containing radioactive material, as announced by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This loss of function comes after a drone strike earlier this year that caused significant damage in the structure. Damage from Aerial Attack Compromises Safety Structure A drone strike in February severely damaged the so-called “New Safe Confinement” structure. This enormous protective structure, built at a cost of €1.5bn and completed in 2019, was designed to contain radiation for decades. A recent IAEA assessment mission confirmed that the drone impact had degraded the integrity of the steel arch. The [protective structure] had lost its primary safety functions, including the confinement capability, stated IAEA head Rafael Grossi. He added that the mission confirmed no lasting harm to key support structures or monitoring systems. Historical Context of the Chornobyl Shelter The original 1986 disaster at the Chernobyl plant – at a time when Ukraine was a republic within the Soviet Union – released radiation over much of Europe. In a hurried response, Soviet engineers constructed a concrete “sarcophagus” over the damaged reactor, but it had a three-decade design life. The new confinement was erected to enable the eventual decommissioning of the original structure, the destroyed reactor hall, and the molten fuel itself. Current Situation and Required Steps While some repairs have been carried out, agency officials emphasized that a full-scale repair effort is absolutely necessary. This is needed to stop additional deterioration and to guarantee safety for the coming decades. Officials in Ukraine previously reported that a drone armed with a powerful explosive hit the plant, causing a fire and damaging the protective cladding. Radiation Readings: Authorities confirmed background radiation stayed normal and stable after the incident with no reports of radiation leaks. Conflict Background: Moscow's troops seized the Chernobyl exclusion zone for over a month in the early phase of the full-scale war. Broader Inspection: The agency conducted this review concurrently with a nationwide survey of war damage to Ukraine's power substations. The situation underscore the ongoing vulnerabilities at one of the world's most notorious nuclear disaster sites amid continued hostilities.