Description: The Chernobyl reactor radiation shield was damaged when an alleged Russian drone hit the nuclear plant on Friday, 14 Feb. President Volodymir Zelenskyy has immediately posted the video on the X platform and stated that in light of recent events Putin wasn’t preparing for peace but for a global disaster. Emergency crews were deployed on the ground which stated that no permanent damage was done and there was no radiation leakage at the time. IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) inspectors were on high alert as the nuclear plant has historically been one of the most disputed nuclear catastrophes in the world. President Putin has denied any Russian involvement in the incident and stated that Chernobyl was out of the Russian war offensive and tactical advances at the time being.
Impact: Russia has consistently attacked Ukraine’s critical infrastructure since seizing the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant under high risk of causing a major nuclear incident. The attacks on critical infrastructure, especially nuclear, could potentially cause irreversible major disaster with irreparable consequences. IAEA inspectors have been constantly active on the field with regards to control over nuclear – powered plants and have issued several warnings of military activities in the vicinity of nuclear plants. With the tensions on the highest level since the beginning of the conflict Russia would aim to seize as much as ground before the alleged peace talks, while Ukraine is scrambling for support and help to deter another Russian offensive.