A Russian drone strike on February 14, 2025, damaged Chornobyl's New Safe Confinement (NSC), creating a 6-meter hole in its roof and outer layer, and also severely impacting the hermetic seal and ventilation system. This caused a two-week fire within the cladding, roughly the size of 18 parked cars. The attack sparked fears of corrosion to the structure's steel framework and increased the risk of the original sarcophagus collapsing. The drone strike, which Ukrainian officials attributed to a Russian Shahed drone, occurred at 1:59 a.m.
Following the attack, 570 first responders battled the consequences for 21 days, utilizing over 50 specialized vehicles and thermal-imaging drones to monitor radiation levels, which remained stable. The European Union mobilized over €1 million in assistance from its rescEU reserves to support Ukrainian emergency workers. Countries like Finland, Germany, Poland, and Slovenia provided aid. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), which led the construction of the $2.1 billion NSC, is now assessing repairs. Repair costs are estimated to exceed €500 million ($585 million).
The damage has put on hold plans to dismantle the reactor and the original sarcophagus, a project now delayed by at least a decade. The NSC, designed to last 100 years, is losing its integrity as moist air enters, causing metal corrosion. Engineers face challenges in applying anti-corrosion protection due to high radiation and elevation. While a protective screen has covered the large hole, 300 smaller holes from firefighting efforts still need to be filled. If left unrepaired, the structure's ability to contain radioactive material will weaken, increasing radiation exposure risks.
