Summary
The protective shelter at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, which contains the radiation from the damaged Reactor 4, may collapse if hit by Russian missiles or drones, according to the plant director. A recent drone strike already damaged the outer shell, known as the New Safe Confinement, which has lost some of its key safety functions.
Key Facts
- Chernobyl's shelter is designed to contain radiation from an explosion that happened in 1986.
- The shelter includes an inner layer, called the Sarcophagus, and an outer layer, known as the New Safe Confinement.
- A Russian drone hit the shelter in February 2025, causing damage and a fire.
- The International Atomic Energy Agency found the outer shell lost its main safety functions after the strike.
- Repairs are ongoing, with a temporary cover over the damaged area, but the site remains at risk.
- The director estimates it will take three to four years to restore full safety functions.
- Current radiation levels at the site are stable and within normal limits, but risks stay high due to potential future attacks.
