What will happen if Russia significantly damages the sarcophagus at Chernobyl: explanation from the Ministry of Energy.

The sarcophagus at Chernobyl poses a radiation threat in Ukraine

The Deputy Minister of Energy of Ukraine, Roman Andriyak, warned that Russian shelling could damage the sarcophagus protecting the ruined Chernobyl nuclear power plant. If this happens, the level of radiation background in Ukraine will significantly increase. He noted that the sarcophagus is not designed to protect against missile strikes, but only to prevent the spread of nuclear dust.

After the fire is extinguished, specialists will assess the consequences and make decisions regarding the restoration of the object's safety. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky reported that a striking Russian drone hit the protective shelter at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. The fire has been extinguished, but the shelter requires serious restoration due to the damage.

The sarcophagus of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant was built for 20-40 years of operation. In 2012, construction of a new shell began, which was put into operation in 2019. The construction period lasted 206 days, during which 90,000 people worked. Now the State Emergency Service states that the radiation background after the drone strike remains normal.