Chernobyl sarcophagus critically damaged by drone attack
Greenpeace Ukraine raises alarm over significant damage to the sarcophagus at Chernobyl following a drone attack. The damage includes half of the northern concrete structure of the arch.
Greenpeace Ukraine has reported substantial damage to the Chernobyl sarcophagus due to a drone attack. Half of the northern concrete structure of the arch, which covers the destroyed reactor, has been severely compromised. According to the organisation, this incident could be considered 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 7 March. The chief engineer of the sarcophagus, Artem Sirij, reported that 50 percent of the northern roof, as well as the southern roof and side walls, were affected by the fire. The damage also impacts the hoisting system and may lead to corrosion due to the penetration 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 for repairs. This would entail considerable costs.
Greenpeace Ukraine consulted 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. However, Ukrainian authorities assure that there has been no increase in radiation levels.
