The President of Ukraine, Zelensky, stated that a Russian drone hit the special cover that had been built to trap radiation at the Chernobyl nuclear plant, adding, however, that "radiation levels have not increased," according to an international media outlet which emphasizes:
Zelensky's accusation: "Russian drone hit Chernobyl"
The Ukrainian Air Force stated that Russia launched more than 100 drones across the country overnight, including drones targeting northern areas where the Chernobyl nuclear power plant is located.
"Last night, a Russian attack drone with a powerful explosive warhead hit the cover that protects the world from radiation in the damaged 4th reactor of the Chernobyl nuclear plant," Zelensky said in a social media post.
The International Atomic Energy Agency also reported an "explosion" at the site and said that "radiation levels inside and outside remain normal and stable."
The agency, which has had a team deployed since the early stages of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, published images that apparently show the drone burning after crashing into the cover.
Memories and fear resurface
In 1986, a reactor at Chernobyl exploded during a failed safety test, resulting in the worst nuclear disaster in history, sending radiation clouds over much of Europe and forcing tens of thousands of people to evacuate nearby areas.
Soviet authorities initially tried to cover up and then downplay the disaster.
Eventually, a massive concrete and steel cover known as the sarcophagus was built over the reactor to contain the radiation.
"The only country in the world that attacks such sites, occupies nuclear plants, and wages war without considering the consequences is today's Russia," Zelensky added in his statement.
There was no immediate response from Russia.
The situation is being monitored.
