Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Zelensky Labels Russian Drone Strikes Near Chernobyl ‘Nuclear Terrorism’

4/27/2026

38 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

President Volodymyr Zelensky called Russian drone attacks near Chernobyl “nuclear terrorism,” urging a halt on the disaster’s 40th anniversary.
Drone and missile strikes have killed at least 16 people, including nine in Dnipro, five elsewhere (one in Sevastopol, three in Luhansk).
IAEA Director Rafael Grossi warned that damage to Chernobyl’s New Safe Confinement threatens safety and will require repairs costing at least €500 million.

History

Historical Context

In April 1986 reactor 4 at Chernobyl exploded, forcing Pripyat’s evacuation and prompting the Soviet Union to create a 30-km exclusion zone. The New Safe Confinement, finished in 2018, now caps the sarcophagus but faces €500 million repair threats after Russian drone strikes in 2024. President Volodymyr Zelensky and IAEA chief Rafael Grossi warn the damage could revive the disaster’s legacy of thousands of premature deaths.

1 of 2

Story summary

President Volodymyr Zelensky called Russian drone attacks near Chernobyl “nuclear terrorism,” urging a halt on the disaster’s 40th anniversary.
Drone and missile strikes have killed at least 16 people, including nine in Dnipro, five elsewhere (one in Sevastopol, three in Luhansk).
IAEA Director Rafael Grossi warned that damage to Chernobyl’s New Safe Confinement threatens safety and will require repairs costing at least €500 million.

1 / 2