The explosion of a projectile or its fragments in the Kaponnier above Reactor Number 4 of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in the early hours of February 14, 2025, resulted in damage and a fire. The sarcophagus, built to contain radioactive material that could potentially still be released from the reactor, was not breached and no increase in radiation levels has been reported so far. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that its staff heard the explosion at around 2:00 am.
Ukrainian media reported that the fire was quickly extinguished and the IAEA also stated that it is monitoring the radiation levels closely. The IAEA presence on social media reported the drone attack, noting that its staff heard the explosion.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of launching a kamikaze drone at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, implying that President Vladimir Putin is not preparing for negotiations. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov vehemently denied the accusations, stating that the Russian military does not conduct attacks on nuclear infrastructure and that the claims are a provocation.
The incident has raised questions, particularly given the high-quality video and image material, which some have suggested was staged in advance. A motor found at the site, allegedly from a Shahed/Geran-type drone, has also been questioned, as similar motors are commonly found in Ukraine, often at the sites of failed drone attacks. The motor’s presence has been disputed, with some suggesting it was planted to fabricate evidence of a Russian attack.
The IAEA had previously reported explosions near the Saporoschje Nuclear Power Plant in January 2025, following a Ukrainian drone attack on a training center. No one was injured and the damage was minimal.
The Russian Foreign Ministry’s official spokesperson, Maria Sacharova, announced a further delay in the rotation of IAEA experts at the Saporoschje Nuclear Power Plant, which had already been postponed due to the actions of the Ukrainian side. According to Sacharova, Ukrainian forces blocked the movement of the outgoing expert group at a roadblock, while Russian military personnel and the group of IAEA experts were attacked with drones, mortars and artillery. This is the second time in February that an IAEA expert rotation has been blocked by the Kiev regime. The original plan was for the rotation to take place on February 5, but was shifted to February 12 due to Kiev’s actions.