Chornobyl sarcophagus collapse risk? Plant reacts to rumors

Greenpeace position

Senior nuclear specialist at Greenpeace Ukraine, Shaun Burnie, stated in his report that without urgent repairs to the sarcophagus, there is a risk of its collapse.

"The Russian drone strike (in February 2025 - ed.) has now increased the risk that the Sarcophagus will collapse before it can be carefully dismantled. Greenpeace has a simple and clear message: the Russian crime of attacking Chornobyl must be punished, including maximum sanctions against its nuclear agency, Rosatom," Burnie said.

Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant response

The State Specialized Enterprise Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant stated that after the attack, the New Safe Confinement (sarcophagus) lost its full airtight sealing properties.

At the same time, the protective shell continues to partially perform its main function — the environmental isolation of the fourth power unit of the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, which was destroyed in the accident.

"No damage to the supporting structures of the localizing structure of the Shelter object, the New Safe Confinement, as a result of the drone hit on February 14, 2025, and the consequences of the fire extinguishing have been recorded," the enterprise clarified.

At the same time, representatives of the ChNPP noted that under normal operation of all systems and in the absence of repeated attacks or other physical impacts, the risk of an uncontrolled release of radioactive substances beyond the sarcophagus is currently minimal.

Risk of sarcophagus collapse

Chornobyl NPP Director Serhii Tarakanov previously stated that the sarcophagus over the fourth power unit could collapse if Russia carries out another strike.

He also noted that a direct hit on the sarcophagus is not required — risks exist even if a drone or missile strikes nearby.