Tensions Escalate as Russian Drone Hits Chernobyl Shell

A Russian drone hit the protective shell of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, sparking a fire with no radiation increase reported. President Zelenskyy highlights the attack's implications, as Ukraine plans to discuss the incident at the Munich Security Conference. The UN atomic agency notes heightened safety risks in the ongoing conflict.

A Russian drone carrying a high-explosive warhead struck the protective containment shell of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed on Friday. Despite the impact, both Zelenskyy and the UN atomic agency reported no increase in radiation levels.

Officials in Russia have not commented on the incident, and the UN agency stationed at Chernobyl did not ascertain responsibility, though they did hear explosions. Zelenskyy noted the attack sparked a fire, which was quickly extinguished. This strike follows U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Ukraine plans to present detailed findings on the incident at the Munich Security Conference. IAEA head Rafael Rossi stressed the strike heightens nuclear safety concerns, echoing broader security challenges posed by military tensions around nuclear facilities like Zaporizhzhia, Europe's largest plant.