**Russian Drone Strikes Chornobyl Nuclear Plant Shelter**
A Russian attack drone struck the protective shelter of the destroyed 4th reactor at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant. This happened on February 14, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The strike damaged the sarcophagus, but the fire was quickly put out and radiation levels remained stable. Monitoring efforts continue to assess any potential risks.
“This is a terrorist threat to the entire world,” Zelensky said. He added that the damage to the shelter is significant.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed the explosion. The organization reported that a drone struck the shelter’s roof.
**Background on Chornobyl**
Chornobyl, located about 130 kilometers north of Kyiv and just 15 kilometers from the border with Belarus, was the site of the world’s worst nuclear disaster in 1986. A massive explosion contaminated a vast area spanning Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia.
The sarcophagus was installed over the 4th reactor to contain uranium, plutonium, and radioactive dust at the site. The protective structure would only last 30 years, with a new sarcophagus built in 2017.
**Response from Ukrainian Officials**
Ukraine is urging the international community to take action against Russia’s “nuclear terrorism.” Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko said the attack poses a threat to the entire continent.
Zelensky also spoke out, saying that the attack underscores Russia’s disregard for global security. He accused President Vladimir Putin of preparing for continued war rather than negotiations.
**Reactions at the Munich Security Conference**
The attack occurred on the day of the Munich Security Conference. Zelensky is leading Ukraine’s delegation at the conference, where U.S. officials are expected to outline their diplomatic strategy for ending Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Attendees expressed outrage over the attack, recalling how the world helped the Soviet Union during the 1986 disaster.
