Archive · 23 Dec 2025
Chernobyl Plant at Risk of Collapse from Russian Strikes
The Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine is in danger.
Russia has been attacking the area since their big fight started in 2022.
Recently, a Russian strike damaged the outer shell that protects the old, broken reactor.
The plant's director says another strike could cause the inner shelter, which holds radioactive materials, to collapse.
This inner shelter has two parts: an old concrete and steel cover built right after the 1986 disaster, and a newer, high-tech steel shell on top.
The newer shell was damaged in a drone attack in February, and fixing it will take a few years.
The good news is that radiation levels are still safe, but there's a lot of work to do to make the plant safe again.
Chernobyl's outer radiation shell was damaged by a Russian strike, leaving the site exposed.
Another strike could cause the collapse of the inner shelter containing radioactive material.
The New Safe Confinement (NSC) lost its primary safety functions after a drone attack in February.
Repairing the NSC will take at least 3-4 years.
Radiation levels remain stable and within normal limits despite the damage.
- Who
- Ukraine and Russia
- What
- Risk of collapse of Chernobyl's internal radiation shelter due to Russian strikes
- When
- Since February 2022, with recent damage in February 2025
- Where
- Chernobyl nuclear power plant, north of Kyiv, Ukraine
- Why
- Russian military actions targeting the facility
- Location
- North of Kyiv, Ukraine
- Current Status
- Defunct nuclear power plant
- Recent Damage
- Outer radiation shell damaged by Russian strike
- Shelter Layers
- Inner Sarcophagus and outer New Safe Confinement (NSC)
- Radiation Levels
- Stable and within normal limits
- Repair Timeframe
- 3-4 years to restore primary safety functions
- Missile Threat
- Iskander short-range ballistic missile system