Firefighting efforts continue: Latest updates on Chornobyl NPP after Russian drone strike

As of 04:00 PM on February 25, efforts to detect and extinguish smoldering spots, as well as partial dismantling of structures, were ongoing on the sarcophagus, including the use of drones.

"There has been no recorded deterioration in the radiation situation at the NSC-OU industrial site or at the Chornobyl NPP as a whole. No release of radioactive substances beyond the established limits has been detected."

In particular, seven working lines have been laid on the sarcophagus lining to extinguish smoldering areas. The necessary forces and means of the State Emergency Service (SES), including a group of climbers, have been deployed. The reserve of SES personnel is on standby.

Drone attack on Chornobyl NPP

On the night of Friday, February 14, the Russian army carried out another drone strike on Ukrainian territory. The sarcophagus at the Chornobyl NPP came under attack when a drone equipped with a high-explosive warhead struck it. The drone was not detected by radar due to its low flight altitude — up to 85 meters.

According to the State Agency of Ukraine for Exclusion Zone Management, the consequences of the attack could have been catastrophic if the drone had struck 15 meters away from the actual impact site.

Earlier, it was reported that firefighting efforts at the Chornobyl NPP had been suspended, with the situation being monitored via drone.

However, on February 17, new smoldering spots were discovered on the Chornobyl sarcophagus, which were subsequently localized.

In recent days, the government allocated over 1.5 billion hryvnias to maintain the damaged Chornobyl shelter in a safe condition.

More details about the attack on the Chornobyl NPP and its consequences can be found in the RBC-Ukraine report.