Russia strikes area near Chernobyl with drones, Ukraine says
Ukraine reported that Russia struck a building near the Chernobyl nuclear facility with drones on June 7, causing significant damage and prompting an investigation by the International Atomic Energy Agency. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated the attack was deliberate, with no abnormal radiation levels detected but an increase in Russian aggression noted.
Ukraine confirmed on June 7 that Russia targeted a facility near the Chernobyl nuclear plant with drone strikes, marking at least the 13th Russian attack on the country in a single night. The strike damaged the plant’s spent nuclear fuel reception building, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which announced plans to investigate the incident. President Volodymyr Zelensky described the attack as deliberate and 'extremely vile,' stating that Ukrainian first responders extinguished fires caused by the strike. Zelensky also noted that while radiation levels remained within normal background ranges, Russia’s actions reflected escalating aggression. The Chernobyl facility, site of the 1986 nuclear disaster, was briefly occupied by Russian forces early in their 2022 invasion of Ukraine. This latest strike occurred roughly nine miles from the plant itself, though Russia has not publicly acknowledged or claimed responsibility for the attack. The IAEA’s assessment highlighted 'significant damage' to the fuel reception building and nearby structures, underscoring concerns over nuclear infrastructure security in a conflict zone. Zelensky’s remarks emphasized the deliberate nature of the strike, contrasting with Russia’s lack of official comment on the incident.
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