Russia Strikes Chernobyl Fuel Facility as Ukraine Reports No Radiation Rise
Updated
Updated · POLITICO Europe · Jun 7
Russia Strikes Chernobyl Fuel Facility as Ukraine Reports No Radiation Rise
3 articles · Updated · POLITICO Europe · Jun 7
Summary
Overnight Russian strikes hit a fuel storage facility in the Chernobyl exclusion zone, widening attacks across Ukraine a day after Kyiv launched a large drone assault on Russian territory.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Moscow deliberately targeted nuclear-related infrastructure near the former plant, calling it an “extremely vile” strike.
Ukrainian authorities said there was no immediate radiation threat, with readings still at normal background levels after the attack.
Earlier Sunday, Ukraine had also reported a Russian drone damaged a spent nuclear fuel storage building near Chornobyl, underscoring repeated pressure on sensitive nuclear infrastructure.
With nuclear safety norms failing in Ukraine, what will it take to prevent a radioactive catastrophe?
Is the Chornobyl drone strike Russian blackmail, or a terrifying new phase in the long-range war?
As Russia repeatedly targets nuclear sites, why are Ukraine's promised protective structures still not built?
Targeting Chornobyl: The June 7, 2026 Drone Strike and the Rising Threat to Nuclear Security in Wartime Ukraine
Overview
On June 7, 2026, a drone strike targeted the Central Spent Nuclear Fuel Storage Facility near Chornobyl, prompting immediate condemnation from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who called the attack 'extremely vile' and accused Russia of deliberately targeting critical nuclear infrastructure. In response, Energoatom began continuous monitoring of the site, while technical teams worked with emergency services and international atomic watchdogs to strengthen security around the facility. The International Atomic Energy Agency also announced plans to inspect the site, highlighting the serious international concern over the safety of Ukraine’s nuclear infrastructure amid ongoing conflict.