According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), comprehensive renovation is urgently needed for the steel and concrete shelter covering Reactor 4 at Chernobyl in northern Ukraine.
A recent safety review by the IAEA found that the sarcophagus, built to contain radioactive materials at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, has lost much of its protective capability.
The protective shell, completed in 2016, was reportedly struck by a drone in mid-February this year during the Russo-Ukrainian war, which began in February 2022. Russia denies that the site was targeted. Temporary repairs were made shortly afterwards, and no immediate increase in radiation levels was detected.
According to Rafael Grossi, Director General of the IAEA, urgent, comprehensive measures are needed to prevent further deterioration and ensure long-term nuclear safety.
Reactor 4 of the Chernobyl power plant exploded during a test in 1986.
