Midnight Explosion at Chernobyl Nuclear Plant... "Radiation Levels Stable"

"Russian Drone Attack Identified as the Cause"

Overview of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. Photo by Yonhap News

In the early hours of the 14th (local time), a mysterious explosion occurred at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in northern Ukraine. Ukrainian authorities believe it was caused by a Russian drone attack, but fortunately, radiation levels are reported to remain at normal levels.

According to CNN, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) expert investigation team dispatched to the Chernobyl plant reported hearing an explosion sound around 1:40 a.m. at the containment facility of Reactor 4, and a fire broke out. The fire was extinguished by firefighting personnel, and no casualties have been reported. The IAEA stated, "Internal and external radiation levels are normal and remain stable," adding, "We are continuously monitoring the situation."

Ukrainian authorities attribute the incident to a Russian drone airstrike. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky posted on his social media account, "The explosion today was caused by a Russian drone attack on the nuclear power plant facilities," and "Radiation levels have not increased so far, and we are continuously monitoring them." He further condemned, "The only country in the world that attacks such facilities, occupies nuclear power plants, and wages war without considering the consequences is Russia today." The Russian government has not issued an official response to these claims.

Meanwhile, the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant was built by the former Soviet Union and was the site of the worst nuclear power plant explosion in history in April 1986. Currently, all reactors have been shut down, but spent nuclear fuel is stored in cooling facilities. The area within a 30 km radius is still designated as an exclusion zone where public access is restricted and is under special management.