Chernobyl, Russian drone hits reactor 4 roof: Zelensky "every attack is a threat to the entire world"

War in Ukraine, despite recent statements about the start of possible negotiations by President Trump with Presidents Putin and Zelensky, it doesn't stop, and on the night of today, February 14, A Russian drone has hit the protective structure of reactor No. 4 at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, causing a fire. The Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the attack via a message on Telegram, noting that the sarcophagus, built to contain radiation from the 1986 nuclear disaster, suffered significant damage. Fortunately, the fire was put out and radiation levels remained normal.

"Ukraine, together with European countries, the United States and anyone who wants to ensure the safety of people, has built this protection. Russia is the only state in the world that can attack such facilities without considering the consequences.“, Zelensky said. The attack represents a grave risk not only for Ukraine, but for the entire international community, the president reiterated.The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed that no increases in radioactivity have been recorded inside or outside the site and that the situation is constantly monitored.

The alert remains high

The Chernobyl accident comes just hours after another critical situation: The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, occupied by Russian forces, was hit by Ukrainian artillery fire. According to the spokeswoman of the plant, Yevgeniya Yashina, “the system is working normally“, even if the situation remains delicate and under monitoring.

A global risk 

The IAEA confirmed that an explosion was heard overnight inside the “New Safe Confinement,” the structure that covers the remains of Chernobyl’s reactor 4. Shortly afterward, a fire broke out, which was quickly extinguished by emergency services on site. No casualties were reported, but the incident has reignited international concerns about the risks of conflict near nuclear facilities. 

"Any attack against a nuclear power plant is an irresponsible and dangerous act.“, the agency said, stressing that a serious accident could have devastating consequences not only for Ukraine, but for the whole of Europe.

Zelensky concluded his message by stressing the need for a “united pressure from all those who value lifea” to stop the Russian escalation. “Russia must take responsibility for what it is doing – he declared –. Every attack represents a danger for the entire world" Zelensky continued in his commentary on the matter.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian authorities continue to monitor the situation and verify the extent of the damage to the protective structure of reactor 4, reiterating the need for more stringent international measures to ensure the safety of the country's critical infrastructure.