Disturbing footage released by President Zelensky captures the moment a Russian drone strikes a Chernobyl power plant, a facility crucial in safeguarding the world from radiation.
February 24, 2025, marks three years since Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, a conflict that has resulted in thousands of military casualties and the deaths of tens of thousands of Ukrainian civilians.
As Vice President JD Vance meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Munich on Friday, February 14, in hopes of advancing peace talks, Russia continues its relentless attacks on its neighboring country.
Before meeting world leaders, President Volodymyr Zelensky took to Twitter to confirm that a Russian drone struck the destroyed Chernobyl nuclear power plant on Thursday evening, February 13.
Footage shared by Zelensky captured a bright flash followed by thick smoke billowing from a large structure.
“Last night, a Russian attack drone carrying a high-explosive warhead struck the shelter protecting the world from radiation at the destroyed 4th power unit of the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant,” Zelensky wrote.
He emphasized that the protective shelter was built through international cooperation, stating:
“This shelter was built by Ukraine together with other countries of Europe, the world, and America, all those committed to real security for humanity.”
Zelensky condemned Russia’s reckless actions, declaring:
“The only country in the world that attacks such sites, occupies nuclear power plants, and wages war without any regard for the consequences is today’s Russia. This is a terrorist threat to the entire world.”
The president confirmed that the shelter sustained damage, but the resulting fire was extinguished. Fortunately, radiation levels have remained stable, and authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.
Zelensky also accused Russia of escalating its attacks, stating:
“Every night, Russia carries out such attacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure and cities. Russia continues to expand its army and shows no change in its deranged, anti-human rhetoric. This means that Putin is not preparing for negotiations, he is preparing to continue deceiving the world.”
He called for global unity and action, insisting:
“There must be unified pressure from all who value life, pressure on the aggressor. Russia must be held accountable for its actions.”
In a statement posted on Twitter, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that at 1:50 AM on February 14, its team at Chernobyl heard an explosion near the New Safe Confinement (NSC), a structure protecting the remains of Reactor 4.
“They were informed that a UAV had struck the NSC roof, causing a fire. Fire safety personnel and vehicles responded within minutes. At this moment, there is no indication of a breach in the NSC’s inner containment. Radiation levels inside and outside remain normal and stable. No casualties reported. The IAEA continues monitoring the situation.”
