President Zelensky has shared alarming video evidence revealing a Russian drone attack on a Chernobyl facility designed to shield the globe from radiation risks.
The date February 24, 2025, signifies the third anniversary of Russia’s unlawful invasion of Ukraine, a conflict that has resulted in numerous military casualties and the loss of tens of thousands of Ukrainian civilian lives.
Vice President JD Vance is set to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Munich on Friday (February 14), aiming to initiate peace negotiations, even as Russia persists in its assaults on Ukraine.
Prior to engaging with international leaders, President Zelensky reported on Twitter that a Russian drone had targeted the compromised nuclear power facility at Chernobyl the previous Thursday (February 13) evening.
The president also shared a video of the incident, capturing a flash of light followed by smoke emerging from a significant structure.
“Last night, a Russian attack drone with 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 expressed on Twitter.
“This shelter was built by Ukraine together with other countries of Europe and the world, together with America – all those committed to real security for humanity.
“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.”
Zelensky indicated that the shelter sustained ‘damage’ from the drone strike, but the resulting fire has since been extinguished.
He assured that the attack has not led to any rise in radiation levels, although ongoing monitoring by authorities is in place.
“Every night, Russia carries out such attacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure and cities,” Zelensky noted on Twitter.
“Russia continues to expand its army and shows no change in its deranged, anti-human state rhetoric. This means that Putin is definitely not preparing for negotiations — he is preparing to continue deceiving the world.
“That is why there must be unified pressure from all who value life – pressure on the aggressor. Russia must be held accountable for its actions.”
The International Atomic Energy Agency released a statement on Twitter saying: “During the night of 13-14 Feb, at around 01:50, IAEA team at the Chornobyl site heard an explosion coming from the New Safe Confinement, which protects the remains of reactor 4 of the former Chornobyl NPP, causing a fire. They were informed that a UAV had struck the NSC roof.
“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. IAEA continues monitoring the situation.”