Chernobyl sarcophagus suffers critical damage in drone strike
Greenpeace Ukraine raises the alarm over serious damage to the sarcophagus in Chernobyl after a drone attack. The damage includes half of the northern concrete structure of the arch.
Greenpeace Ukraine reported significant damage to the Chernobyl sarcophagus as a result of a drone attack. Half of the northern concrete structure of the arch, under which the destroyed reactor is located, has been seriously damaged. According to the organization, this attack could be one of the most serious war crimes against Ukraine.
Disturbing reports: "Critical damage" to the Chernobyl sarcophagus
The drone exploded, piercing the roof and causing fires that lasted until March 7. The chief engineer of the sarcophagus, Artem Sirij, reported that 50 per cent of the northern roof, as well as the southern roof and side walls, were affected by the fire. The damage also affects the hoisting system and may lead to corrosion due to the infiltration of snow and water.
Jan Vande Putte, a nuclear energy specialist at Greenpeace Ukraine, warns that due to the high radiation levels, the entire sarcophagus may need to be moved on a railway system to a construction site before repairs. This involves enormous costs.
Greenpeace Ukraine turned to British specialists from McKenzie Intelligence Services for an analysis of the attack. The analysis indicates that the Geran-2 drone, used by Russian forces, was almost certainly programmed to strike Chernobyl. Nevertheless, Ukrainian authorities assure that there has been no increase in radiation levels.
