UNDP warns drone strike at Chernobyl could endanger millions

A drone strike hit the protective structure at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, prompting UN Development Programme (UNDP) Administrator Alexander De Croo to warn that the incident could have jeopardised the safety of millions of people. De Croo delivered the statement via video link from Kyiv on Thursday, emphasizing the potential severity of any damage to the site’s containment systems.

The strike occurred amid heightened security concerns in the region, with authorities confirming that the plant’s core remained intact and no radiation release was detected. Ukrainian officials and international monitoring agencies have begun a joint assessment of the damage to the sarcophagus and surrounding barriers, while reinforcing surveillance to prevent further threats. UNDP officials said the incident underscores the need for continued vigilance and cooperation to safeguard the legacy of the 1986 disaster and protect public health.