đ Share this article Chornobyl Disaster Containment Structure Can No Longer Effectively Blocks Harmful Radiation, Needs Major Repair â IAEA The containment structure encasing the Chornobyl reactor core within Ukraine can no longer perform its primary function of blocking radiation, as announced by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This loss of function follows a drone attack in February that blew a hole in the protective shell. Structural Compromise from Aerial Attack Degrades Containment System An attack by an unmanned aerial vehicle in February caused a breach in the multibillion-euro âNew Safe Confinementâ structure. This enormous protective structure, built at a cost of âŹ1.5bn with work finishing in 2019, was intended to seal off radioactive material for decades. A recent IAEA assessment mission found that the drone impact had weakened the integrity of the steel arch. The [protective structure] had lost its primary safety functions, including the confinement capability, said IAEA head Rafael Grossi. He added that the mission confirmed no lasting harm to key support structures or monitoring systems. Background Context of the Chornobyl Shelter The initial 1986 disaster at the Chernobyl plant â which occurred when Ukraine was a republic within the USSR â released radiation over much of Europe. In a hurried response, Soviet engineers built a concrete shelter over the ruined reactor, though it possessed only a 30-year lifespan. The New Safe Confinement was constructed to enable the future decommissioning of the old sarcophagus, the destroyed reactor hall, and the melted nuclear fuel itself. Current Situation and Necessary Actions Although limited repairs have been carried out, agency officials emphasized that comprehensive restoration is absolutely necessary. This is required to prevent further degradation and to ensure safety for the coming decades. Officials in Ukraine previously reported that a drone carrying a high-explosive warhead hit the plant, causing a fire and damaging the outer shielding. Radiation Readings: Authorities confirmed radiation levels stayed within safe limits following the attack with no indication of any leakage. Geopolitical Context: Moscow's troops seized the Chernobyl exclusion zone for over a month in the early phase of the full-scale war. Wider Assessment: The IAEA carried out this inspection alongside a nationwide survey of conflict-related damage to Ukraine's power substations. The situation underscore the persistent risks at one of the world's most notorious atomic accident locations during continued armed conflict.