Nuclear experts warn that the protective containment around Chernobyl is “failing” and no longer effective.

Disturbing updates are emerging from Ukraine regarding the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported that the massive protective shield built over the reactor following the 1986 disaster has lost its “primary safety functions.” Here’s a detailed overview.

According to the UN nuclear watchdog, the protective cover over the Chernobyl nuclear plant can no longer serve its main containment purpose, a problem traced back to a drone strike in February.

IAEA inspectors have examined the enormous structure, which was erected after the catastrophic events of 1986.

Ukraine has accused Russia of attacking the facility in February, an allegation that Moscow has denied. IAEA officials stressed that repairs are “crucial” to “prevent further deterioration” of the nuclear shelter. Despite these warnings, environmental expert Jim Smith told the BBC that the situation is “not something to panic about.”

The shield over the Chernobyl reactor was completed in 2019 at a cost of around €1.5 billion ($1.6 billion). It was designed to cover the original concrete sarcophagus, which Ukrainian prosecutors say was struck by a Russian drone.

According to Euro News, the IAEA inspected the protective structure last week and confirmed that the steel framework had been damaged by the drone strike.

Rafael Grossi, Director General of the IAEA, stated that the inspection “confirmed that the protective structure had lost its primary safety functions, including its confinement capability, but found no permanent damage to its load-bearing structures or monitoring systems.”

While some repair work has been carried out, he emphasized that “comprehensive restoration remains essential to prevent further degradation and ensure long-term nuclear safety.”

The new, multi-layered structure, which rises over 100 meters at its highest point, was built to contain the melted nuclear fuel that still lies beneath the site.

Readers are invited to share their memories of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster and where they were when they first learned about it in the comments on Facebook.