Representatives of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development visited Chernobyl, according to PostPravda.Info. Experts came to Ukraine to assess the threat and damage caused by a drone attack on the sarcophagus, which shields the world from harmful radiation. What are their conclusions?
The Ark is Irreversibly Damaged
Employees at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant are reluctant to discuss the consequences of what happened in mid-February. Ludmila Kozak avoids answering our questions. “We’re currently about a kilometer away from where the drone struck. As for exactly what happened, I’m not authorized to speak about that. Especially not on camera. Maybe one day, but not now.”
Representatives from the EBRD closely inspected the damaged Ark, as well as the area beneath it. It turns out the destruction is severe. The fire brigade had been extinguishing the smoldering fire in that area for nearly two weeks. Regulatory authorities have determined that the attack on the Chernobyl plant has undermined the international community’s efforts to mitigate the effects of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster.
In its current condition, the Ark no longer adequately protects the radioactive remnants of the 1986 accident, and a reconstruction will be necessary. A total of 400,000 euros from the International Cooperation Fund will now be allocated for further expert analysis.
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Norwegians Visit Chernobyl to Inspect the Condition of the Ark
Experts from the Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority also visited the Chernobyl zone. The delegation from Norway had the opportunity to inspect the technological building, the area beneath the Ark, and the northern garage of the Main Crane System (MCS) of the New Safe Confinement, which suffered the most damage from the drone strike. They were able to witness firsthand the damage caused by the Russian unmanned aerial vehicle.
The purpose of both visits was to assess the current condition of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant (ChNPP) and to review the major damages to the New Safe Confinement Ark following the February 14 drone strike this year. The Norwegian visit was part of the government’s Nansen program for Ukraine, aimed at supporting Ukraine’s nuclear safety and radiological protection during the ongoing Russian aggression. During the visit, a meeting was held with the ChNPP management, where the results of cooperation, the current situation at the plant, and possible further support from Norway were discussed.
This year marks the 39th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster.
