Russian drone attack on Chernobyl: Ukrainian President

New Delhi, Feb 14: A Russian drone attack has struck the protective radiation shelter at the Chernobyl nuclear plant, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said. The overnight assault caused a fire at the site of the world’s worst nuclear disaster, though it was quickly extinguished.

Despite the attack, radiation levels inside and outside the facility remain stable, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Russia has denied the accusations, claiming its military does not target Ukrainian nuclear infrastructure. However, the IAEA, which monitors nuclear safety globally, confirmed that emergency personnel responded within minutes of an explosion at the site. No casualties were reported, but the agency remains on "high alert." Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi reiterated that "there is no room for complacency."

Attack on nuclear installation: a war crime

The strike on Chernobyl has reignited concerns about nuclear security during armed conflicts, with experts and global leaders condemning the attack as a potential war crime. Under international law, targeting nuclear infrastructure is considered a grave violation due to the catastrophic consequences that could follow. Zelensky called for "unified pressure" to hold Moscow accountable, stating that such attacks demonstrate Russian President Vladimir Putin’s unwillingness to negotiate peace.

This latest incident comes amid rising military activity around the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in southern Ukraine, Europe’s largest nuclear facility. The IAEA has previously warned that escalating tensions near these sites pose severe risks. In December, a convoy of IAEA experts en route to Zaporizhzhia was attacked, with both Ukraine and Russia trading blame. Grossi condemned the assault on his personnel, calling it "unacceptable."

The 1986 Chernobyl explosion sent a massive plume of radioactive material across Europe, leading to an international public health crisis. A giant steel-and-concrete sarcophagus was later constructed over the reactor to prevent further radiation leaks. The shield, which cost $1.6 billion and is designed to last a century, was reportedly damaged in the recent attack, according to footage shared by Zelensky.

Despite assurances that radiation levels remain stable, the attack has heightened fears of further escalations.

Global leaders convene in Munich amid rising tensions

World leaders have gathered in Munich for the annual Security Conference, where the war in Ukraine remains a key focus. Ukrainian President Zelensky arrived at the summit, where he is set to meet U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The conference takes place against the backdrop of U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent claim that Putin has agreed to begin peace talks. Moscow is yet to confirm.

Speaking at the news conference, Zelensky dismissed claims of an imminent peace deal, asserting that previous discussions with Trump have been "definitely not enough to form a plan." He reiterated that Ukraine remains committed to NATO membership and will not recognise occupied territories as Russian. "We will never recognize occupied territories as Russian. We want to be in NATO, yes. We trust NATO’s security guarantees," he stated as reported by BBC.

Meanwhile, NATO allies are still reacting to Trump’s unexpected announcement regarding peace negotiations. U.S. Vice President Vance warned that Moscow could face further sanctions and potential military action if Putin refuses to agree to a deal guaranteeing Ukraine’s long-term independence.

As the war approaches its third year, the international community faces mounting pressure to prevent a nuclear catastrophe while working toward a lasting resolution to the conflict.