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The president of Ukraine, Volodímir Zelensky, reported that a Russian drone with a high-explosive warhead struck the containment structure protecting the fourth unit of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, destroyed in the 1986 disaster.
According to the leader, the infrastructure was built with the support of various European countries, the United States, and other nations committed to global security.
Zelensky noted that Russia is the only country in the world capable of attacking facilities of this kind, occupying territories with nuclear plants, and carrying out hostilities without considering the consequences. In this regard, he described the situation as a global terrorist threat.
The attack is said to have caused significant damage to the nuclear power plant's shelter, although the resulting fire was extinguished and, so far, radiation levels have not increased, according to ongoing monitoring.
The Ukrainian president also warned that Russia continues to launch attacks against Ukraine's infrastructure and cities every night, and is still reinforcing its army.
He stated that the Kremlin maintains an aggressive and dehumanizing rhetoric, which, in his opinion, indicates that Russian President Vladimir Putin has no intentions of negotiating peace, but rather aims to persist in his deceitful strategies.
In light of this situation, Zelensky emphasized the need for unified international pressure against Russia, stressing that the aggressor country must be held accountable for its actions.
For his part, the spokesperson for the Kremlin, Dmitri Peskov, denied Russia's involvement in the attack, suggesting that it could be a provocation from Ukraine.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed the impact of the drone and the subsequent fire, but assured that radiation levels remain normal and that there are no indications of a breach in the interior containment of the structure. The situation continues to be under constant monitoring.
This event occurs amid diplomatic efforts to put an end to the conflict. The President of the United States, Donald Trump, and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, have agreed to initiate immediate negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. This agreement was reached after a phone conversation in which both leaders agreed on the need to stop the conflict and its consequences.
On his part, the Ukrainian president has stated that he will not participate in a meeting with Putin until Ukraine, the United States, and Europe establish a common plan for negotiations. Zelenski emphasized the importance of a united strategy before any meeting with the Russian leader.
In the U.S. diplomatic arena, the newly appointed Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has advocated for a negotiated solution to end the conflict.
Although he condemns the Russian invasion, Rubio considers it unrealistic to expect a complete restoration of the borders prior to 2022.
He emphasized that "this war must end" and that the official position of the United States should be to actively seek an end to the conflict.
Frequently asked questions about the drone attack on Chernobyl and the situation in Ukraine
What happened in the drone attack on the Chernobyl nuclear plant?
A Russian drone with a high-explosive warhead struck the containment structure that safeguards the fourth unit of the Chernobyl nuclear plant. This attack caused significant damage to the nuclear shelter, although the resulting fire was contained and radiation levels have not increased, according to current monitoring.
How has Ukraine reacted to the attack in Chernobyl?
The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, described the attack as a global terrorist threat and emphasized the need for unified international pressure to hold Russia accountable for its actions. Zelensky also highlighted that Russia continues to attack Ukrainian infrastructure and cities.
What is Russia's position on the drone attack in Chernobyl?
Russia has denied its involvement in the attack, suggesting that it could be a provocation by Ukraine. Dmitry Peskov, spokesman for the Kremlin, has denied any Russian participation in the incident.
What diplomatic actions are being taken to resolve the conflict in Ukraine?
Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin have agreed to initiate immediate negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. However, the Ukrainian president, Zelensky, has insisted that he will not participate in any meeting until a common plan is defined among Ukraine, the United States, and Europe.
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