Disturbing footage released by President Zelensky shows a Russian drone hitting a Chernobyl power plant that 'protects the world from radiation'.
February 24, 2025, marks three years since Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine, which has caused thousands of military casualties and tens of thousands of Ukrainian civilian deaths.
While Vice President JD Vance meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Munich on Friday (February 14) with the hope of peace talks, Russia continues to attack their neighboring country.
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President Zelensky took to Twitter before meeting world leaders to confirm a Russian drone hit the destroyed nuclear power plant at Chernobyl on Thursday (February 13) evening.
Footage of the incident was also posted by the president, which showed a bright light pulse followed by smoke bellowing from a large structure.
"Last night, a Russian attack drone with a high-explosive warhead struck the shelter protecting the world from radiation at the destroyed 4th power unit of the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant," Zelensky wrote on Twitter.
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"This shelter was built by Ukraine together with other countries of Europe and the world, together with America – all those committed to real security for humanity.
"The only country in the world that attacks such sites, occupies nuclear power plants, and wages war without any regard for the consequences is today’s Russia. This is a terrorist threat to the entire world."
The president went on to state the shelter was 'damaged' by the drone, while a subsequent fire has been put out.
Zelensky confirmed radiation levels have not increased as a result of the attack, though authorities are continuing to manage things.
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"Every night, Russia carries out such attacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure and cities," Zelensky added on Twitter.
"Russia continues to expand its army and shows no change in its deranged, anti-human state rhetoric. This means that Putin is definitely not preparing for negotiations — he is preparing to continue deceiving the world.
"That is why there must be unified pressure from all who value life – pressure on the aggressor. Russia must be held accountable for its actions."
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In a statement posted on Twitter, the International Atomic Energy Agency said: "During the night of 13-14 Feb, at around 01:50, IAEA team at the Chornobyl site heard an explosion coming from the New Safe Confinement, which protects the remains of reactor 4 of the former Chornobyl NPP, causing a fire. They were informed that a UAV had struck the NSC roof.
"Fire safety personnel and vehicles responded within minutes. At this moment, there is no indication of a breach in the NSC’s inner containment. Radiation levels inside and outside remain normal and stable. No casualties reported. IAEA continues monitoring the situation."
Topics: Chernobyl, World News, Ukraine, Russia
Callum Jones