IAEA boosts control over Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant after drone strike on sarcophagus
Photo: Damage to the sarcophagus in Chornobyl (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
The IAEA has sent additional experts to the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant to inspect the safety of the New Safe Confinement (NSC), which was damaged in a drone strike, stated IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi.
Grossi said that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) sent additional experts to the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) this week.
The specialists are expected to assess and thoroughly describe the condition of the New Safe Confinement (NSC), which was damaged during a Russian drone strike on 14 February 2025. Their primary focus will be the current state of the NSC, its operational characteristics after the Russian attack, and the effectiveness of risk-reduction measures. Grossi noted that the additional experts have joined the agency's permanent team, which has been working at the ChNPP since January 2023.
What is known about the NSC built in 2016
The New Safe Confinement (NSC) was constructed in 2016 over the Chornobyl NPP's Shelter Structure. It covers the remains of the destroyed fourth reactor unit.
Its main purpose is to isolate radioactive materials and prevent radiation from entering the environment.
The NSC is a massive arched steel structure designed to protect the old sarcophagus and ensure safe dismantling operations. Its service life is projected to exceed 100 years, but any damage can reduce its effectiveness.
Shahed strike on the NSC
In February 2025, the NSC sustained structural damage after a Russian drone strike. Although the drone hit did not cause a radioactive release, it inflicted significant structural harm, affecting the structure's functionality and expected service life.
During the mission, IAEA experts will examine existing safety measures and discuss with plant management plans to restore the NSC and ensure readiness to respond to potential nuclear safety threats.
This inspection highlights international attention to Chornobyl's safety after Russian aggression and aims to ensure the stability and protection of the remaining exclusion-zone infrastructure.
At the end of October 2025, military actions by Russia damaged substations critical to Ukraine’s nuclear safety.
In addition, three Ukrainian nuclear power plants were forced to reduce output on November 19 after Russian forces attacked energy facilities near the stations.
From February 24 to March 31, 2022, Chornobyl and the NPP were occupied by Russian troops who entered the station via Belarus. However, on April 2, Ukrainian forces officially liberated the NPP.
