A Russian drone strike targeted a centralized storage facility for spent nuclear fuel near the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, according to reports from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Zelensky described the attack as a deliberate strike on critical infrastructure, emphasizing the need for international awareness of the aggressor’s actions. The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Energy are working to inform global partners about the situation.
The president confirmed that, as of now, radiation levels remain within safe limits, though he criticized the audacity of the Russian military. Ukrainian emergency services successfully extinguished a fire that broke out following the strike. Zelensky urged for concrete global actions to address what he termed a terrorist war by Russia.
In addition to the attack on the nuclear facility, Zelensky reported that Russian forces conducted strikes on civilian targets across 13 Ukrainian regions that night.
Over the past week, Russia has launched a total of 88 missiles, deployed more than 3,250 attack drones, and utilized approximately 1,800 guided aerial bombs against Ukraine.
The incident occurred on June 7, when a Russian drone struck the storage facility, causing a fire that affected an area of about 40 square meters. The fire was quickly contained, and there were no reported injuries among the staff.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine clarified that the drone strike hit a site near the village of Buryakivka, approximately 15 kilometers from Chernobyl. The centralized storage facility is designated for the long-term and safe storage of spent nuclear fuel from Ukrainian nuclear power plants.
Remnants of a Shahed-type attack drone were discovered at the site of the extinguished fire. Radiation levels at the facility continue to be monitored, with specialists ensuring the situation remains stable.
A recent drone strike by Russian forces targeted a nuclear waste storage facility near Chernobyl, prompting concerns over critical infrastructure safety. While radiation levels remain normal, the incident underscores ongoing military aggression in Ukraine.