IAEA sends experts to Chernobyl NPP: assessment of damage after drone strike

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has dispatched an additional group of experts to the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant to assess the condition of the New Safe Confinement (NSC) after it was damaged by a drone strike in February 2025. This was reported by the agency's Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi.

IAEA specialists joined the permanent mission on the site that started its work in January 2023. They plan to check the effectiveness of safety measures and recovery plans for the NSC after the drone strike in February 2025. Fortunately, there were no radioactive emissions.

Return to normal operational levels

At three operating nuclear power plants in Ukraine - Khmelnytskyi, Rivne, and South Ukraine - electricity generation has almost completely resumed after attacks on the power grid. Most power units are operating at full capacity, and all damaged high-voltage lines have been restored.

IAEA is preparing for another mission to inspect critical substations to evaluate damage and its impact on the operation of nuclear power plants. This will be the sixth visit of its kind.

At the Zaporizhzhia NPP, where IAEA staff maintain constant monitoring, experts reported ongoing military activity near the station.

The additional group of IAEA specialists has already headed to Chornobyl NPP to check the condition of the New Safe Confinement after the drone strike. Meanwhile, the nuclear power plants in Ukraine show recovery in electricity generation and prepare for the inspection of critical substations to ensure operational safety.