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Fury as Russian drone ‘strikes’ Chernobyl

A Russian drone has allegedly struck a cover built to contain radiation at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant.

The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed an explosion at Chernobyl but stated radiation levels are stable. Picture: Volodymyr Zelenskyy

The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed an explosion at Chernobyl but stated radiation levels are stable. Picture: Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says a Russian drone has struck a cover built to contain radiation at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, adding that “radiation levels have not increased”.

The Ukrainian air force said that Russia had launched more than 100 drones across the country overnight – including attack drones – targeting northern regions of the country where the Chernobyl power plant lies. 

 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Friday that a Russian drone had struck a cover built to contain radiation at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Picture: Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Friday that a Russian drone had struck a cover built to contain radiation at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Picture: Volodymyr Zelenskyy

 

 

The Ukrainian air force reported over 100 drones launched by Russia, targeting northern regions, including near Chernobyl. Picture: Volodymyr Zelenskyy
The Ukrainian air force reported over 100 drones launched by Russia, targeting northern regions, including near Chernobyl. Picture: Volodymyr Zelenskyy

 

 

“Last night, a Russian attack drone with a high-explosive warhead struck the cover protecting the world from radiation at the destroyed 4th power unit of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant,” Zelensky said on X. 

The International Atomic Energy Agency also reported an “explosion” at the site, adding that “radiation levels inside and outside remain normal and stable.”

 

The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed an explosion at Chernobyl but stated radiation levels are stable. Picture: Volodymyr Zelenskyy
The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed an explosion at Chernobyl but stated radiation levels are stable. Picture: Volodymyr Zelenskyy 

The agency, which has had a team deployed on the site since the early stages of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, published images showing the drone on fire after crashing into the covering.

In 1986, a reactor at Chernobyl exploded during a botched safety test, resulting in the world’s worst nuclear accident that sent clouds of radiation across much of Europe and forced tens of thousands of people to evacuate.

 

Zelensky criticized Russia for attacking nuclear sites, highlighting the potential consequences of such actions. Picture: Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Zelensky criticized Russia for attacking nuclear sites, highlighting the potential consequences of such actions. Picture: Volodymyr Zelenskyy

 

Soviet authorities initially tried to cover up and then play down the disaster.

A massive concrete and steel cover called a sarcophagus was built over the reactor to contain the radiation.

“The only country in the world that attacks such sites occupies nuclear power plants, and wages war without any regard for the consequences is today’s Russia,” Zelensky added in his statement.

There was no immediate response from Russia.

 

Author: Editors Desk, Jack Evans and AFP

Source: News Corp Australia Network:

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