No release of radioactive substances has been recorded at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant (ChNPP) after a Russian drone struck the New Safe Confinement (NSC), but repeated attacks could alter the situation, said Hryhorii Ishchenko, head of the State Agency of Ukraine on Exclusion Zone Management (SAUEZM), during a television broadcast.
"As of now, the radiation situation remains stable, so no emissions have been recorded. However, if repeated strikes target such facilities, the situation may change," Ishchenko stated.
He emphasized that radiation levels at the ChNPP site, including the NSC of the Shelter object, have remained unchanged since the fire outbreak, its containment, and up to the present time.
"In other words, no release of radioactive substances beyond the site has been detected. Radiation exposure levels for personnel have also remained within controlled limits," the SAUEZM head noted.
According to Ishchenko, a meeting involving multiple research institutes is scheduled for Tuesday, February 18, to assess the damage to the NSC and report the findings to Ukraine’s leadership.
"On February 14, ChNPP staff conducted a preliminary inspection and identified structural damage caused by a direct drone strike. The explosive charge was very powerful, resulting in damage to both primary and load-bearing structural elements," he added.
On the evening of February 14, a fire in the outer cladding of the NSC arch was localized after being ignited by a Russian drone strike.
