Greenpeace warns that the structure of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine is at risk of an uncontrollable collapse after being damaged in Russian attacks, which could release massive radioactive dust across Europe.
Greenpeace, the global environmental organization, issued a report warning of a "catastrophic" risk at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine, stating that the inner safety structure designed to contain radiation is at risk of collapse, which would cause uncontrollable radiation release into the environment.
Currently, the remains of the reactor that exploded in 1986 are enclosed by two structures: the "Sarcophagus," a steel and concrete inner layer hastily built after the accident, and the "New Safe Confinement," a high-tech metal dome as the outer layer. However, Greenpeace noted that due to the Russian invasion and airstrikes in 2025, the outer dome was damaged and can no longer fully contain the radiation.
Sean Burnie, senior nuclear expert at Greenpeace Ukraine, said, "Inside the Sarcophagus there are up to 4 tons of highly radioactive dust and a massive amount of nuclear fuel pellets. If the inner structure collapses before repairs to the outer dome are completed, it would be a major disaster as radiation would immediately leak outside."
Meanwhile, Serge Taraganov, director of the Chernobyl plant, emphasized that the situation in the area is "very dangerous," noting that although missiles have not directly hit the dome, strikes within 200 meters cause strong tremors akin to an earthquake, which could cause the deteriorated inner structure to collapse. The 1986 disaster taught us that "radioactive particles have no borders."
Although urgently needed, removing the unstable structures to prevent collapse is nearly impossible due to the ongoing war. Burnie said Russia continues to launch missiles over the Chernobyl area, which he views as a de facto "nuclear war" against the people of Ukraine and Europe.
Last month, the French government estimated that repairing the Chernobyl radiation containment dome could cost nearly 500 million euros (about 19 billion baht) after damage from the 2025 Russian attacks. Greenpeace's report was released just days before the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster this April.
/AFP