A protective shield covering the Chernobyl nuclear reactor in Ukraine can no longer provide its main containment function following a drone strike earlier this year, according to a UN watchdog.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors found that the massive structure, built over the site of the 1986 nuclear disaster, had lost its primary safety functions including the confinement capability.
In February, Ukraine accused Russia of targeting the power plant - a claim the Kremlin denied.
The IAEA said repairs were essential to prevent further degradation of the nuclear shelter. However, environmental expert Jim Smith noted: It is not something to panic about.
Prof. Smith from the University of Portsmouth, who has studied the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster, explained that disturbing radioactive dust poses the biggest risk linked to the site.
He asserted that the risk is low as contaminated dust is contained within a thick concrete sarcophagus covered by the protective shield.
The 1986 explosion at Chernobyl released radioactive material into the air, triggering a public health emergency across Europe.
The former Soviet Union constructed the sarcophagus over the reactor in response, which has a lifespan of 30 years, indicating a pressing need for the protective shell to prevent radioactive material from leaking over the next century.
The IAEA revealed a team completed a safety assessment of the site last week after it was severely damaged by the drone strike, which caused a fire in the outer cladding of the steel structure.
Inspectors reported no permanent damage to the shell's load-bearing structures or monitoring systems, with some repairs already made to the roof.
However, IAEA director general Rafael Grossi emphasized the importance of timely restoration to ensure long-term nuclear safety.
With tensions escalating, particularly since December, the UN's nuclear watchdog is also assessing Ukraine's energy infrastructure as the country continues to defend against Russian aggression.
Recent reports indicate that Russia has launched airstrikes on industrial regions within Ukraine, raising further alarms over safety at nuclear sites.
Mr. Grossi remarked, Electrical substations are absolutely indispensable for providing electricity to all nuclear power plants, necessary for reactor cooling and other safety systems.
