Kyiv: Ukraine says Russian drones and missiles have repeatedly flown near the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, raising the risk of a major nuclear accident. Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko said dozens of missile and drone flights have passed close to nuclear facilities over the past two years. His remarks come ahead of the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster on April 26.
Ukraine reports that Russian hypersonic Kh-47M2 Kinzhal missiles have flown near both Chornobyl and the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant. At least 35 such missiles were detected within about 20 km of these sites, with several passing close to both on the same flight path.
In three cases, missiles reportedly fell within 10 km of the Khmelnytskyi plant. The reason remains unclear, and there were no signs they had been intercepted. Ukraine also says at least 92 drones have flown within a 5 km radius of Chornobyl since mid-2024, though the real number may be higher due to radar limitations. The International Atomic Energy Agency (International Atomic Energy Agency) has repeatedly warned about the dangers of military activity near nuclear sites. Director General Rafael Grossi has called for maximum restraint to avoid a nuclear incident.
Chornobyl’s damaged reactor is covered by a protective structure designed to prevent radiation leaks. Ukraine says a drone strike in 2025 damaged this shield, though Russia denied responsibility. Officials warn that without repairs, the structure could face “irreversible corrosion” within a few years.
Russia maintains it only targets military infrastructure. Ukraine, however, says these flights near nuclear facilities are deliberate and pose risks not only to Ukraine but to all of Europe.
