Zelenskyy accuses Russia of nuclear terrorism over Chernobyl drone flights
Updated
Updated · Euronews · Apr 26
Zelenskyy accuses Russia of nuclear terrorism over Chernobyl drone flights
6 articles · Updated · Euronews · Apr 26
Marking the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster, Zelenskyy highlighted regular Russian drone flights over the site, including one that struck its protective shell last year, risking radioactive leaks.
He urged the international community to stop Russia's 'reckless attacks.' Meanwhile, Ukrainians gathered in Slavutych to honor disaster victims and the 600,000 cleanup workers exposed to radiation.
The Chernobyl explosion in 1986 remains the worst civilian nuclear disaster, with death estimates ranging from 4,000 to nearly 100,000. Russian drone and artillery strikes continue across Ukraine, causing further casualties.
How has the 1986 disaster shaped Ukraine's fight for survival against Russia today?
With Chernobyl's protective shell breached by a drone, is a new nuclear catastrophe now inevitable?
War turned Chernobyl's research zone into a minefield. What vital nuclear safety lessons are we losing?
Forced to rely on nuclear power, is Ukraine trapped in a terrifying energy paradox during the war?
How does weaponizing nuclear sites like Chernobyl and Zaporizhzhia permanently change the rules of modern warfare?
Can a €500 million shield for Chernobyl be rebuilt under the constant threat of Russian attack?
Nuclear Terrorism at Chernobyl: The 2025 Drone Strike That Compromised Europe’s Safest Containment
Overview
In February 2025, a drone strike severely damaged Chernobyl's New Safe Confinement (NSC), causing it to lose its ability to contain radioactive material and creating a risk of radioactive dust escaping. Ukraine began repair efforts, but a critical €500 million funding shortfall has stalled reconstruction, increasing the danger of structural collapse and environmental degradation. Ongoing Russian military attacks, including strikes on Ukraine's power grid, have caused blackouts and hazardous conditions that further hinder repairs. Ukraine presented evidence linking Russia to the strike, leading to accusations of nuclear terrorism. The combined impact of damaged infrastructure, military threats, and funding gaps poses a growing risk of a catastrophic nuclear incident unless urgent international action is taken.