**Russian Drone Hits Chernobyl Shelter, Causes Fire**
A Russian drone has hit the protective shelter over Chernobyl’s damaged nuclear reactor, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The strike caused a fire that was later extinguished.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said radiation levels inside and outside Chernobyl were normal and stable. However, the plant’s chief engineer, Oleksandr Titarchuk, warned that there is now a possibility of radioactive substances leaking.
Russia denied any claims it attacked Chernobyl, saying its military does not strike Ukrainian nuclear infrastructure.
**No Radiation Leak Yet**
The IAEA reported no casualties from the incident and said fire safety personnel responded quickly to extinguish the fire. However, the agency remains on “high alert” after the incident.
Mr. Titarchuk assured that the situation is under control. The radiation shield was designed to prevent further radioactive material leaking out over the next century.
**Concerns Over Zaporizhzhia**
The IAEA also expressed concern about increased military activity around the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in southern Ukraine, which is Europe’s largest nuclear station.
Prof Jim Smith from the UK’s University of Portsmouth said he was “not concerned” about the radiation risk at Chernobyl, but warned that the reactors at Zaporizhzhia are more vulnerable.
