Furthermore, the integrated automatic monitoring system for the shelter built over the reactor immediately after the accident, which occurred almost four decades ago, around 120 kilometers north of Kiev, must be modernized.
Next year, further temporary repairs are planned, with the support of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, in restoring the confinement function of the new safe containment, paving the way for its full restoration once the war between Ukraine and Russia ends.
Chernobyl was temporarily occupied by Russian forces at the start of the war, but has remained under the control of Ukrainian authorities ever since.
“The IAEA, which has a team permanently on site, will continue to do everything possible to support efforts to fully restore nuclear safety and security at Chernobyl.”assured Rafael Grossi in the statement.
On February 14, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that a Russian drone loaded with explosives hit a structure that prevents radiation leaks at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant.
At the time, according to the Presidency of Ukraine, the damage was significant, but the radiation levels did not worsen.
The IAEA also confirmed that a drone hit reactor protection facilities at the Ukrainian nuclear power plant.