An explosion in the shelter of the fourth power unit was recorded at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, which caused serious concerns among specialists. This was reported by the chief engineer of the Chernobyl NPP, Alexander Titarchuk, during a recent briefing. According to him, there is a possibility of a leak of radioactive substances, since the sarcophagus covering the destroyed power unit was built almost 40 years ago and could have lost its strength due to age and external influences.

"There is now a possibility of radioactive substances being released due to certain actions that may occur at the old Shelter facility.", - Titarchuk said.

At the same time, he emphasized that the radiation background on the territory of the station remains within normal limits.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the explosion could have been the result of a Russian drone attack. He accused Russia of creating a security threat not only for Ukraine, but for all of Europe. However, Moscow denied these statements. Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov called Kyiv's accusations a provocation and falsification.

"Russia does not strike Ukraine's nuclear energy infrastructure. Any claims of Moscow's involvement in such strikes are a provocation and a fabrication," - he declared.

The sarcophagus covering the destroyed power unit was built shortly after the Chernobyl accident in 1986. It was considered a temporary measure and was supposed to last for about 20-30 years, but over the years the structure began to deteriorate. In 2016, a new protective dome, the New Safe Confinement, was erected over the old shelter, which was supposed to provide additional protection. However, elements of the old sarcophagus continue to degrade, and any external impact, such as a fire or explosion, could lead to a breach of the structure’s tightness and a radiation leak.

Alexander Titarchuk noted that specialists continue to analyze the consequences of the explosion and assess the condition of the structure. He emphasized that the old shelter has long been in need of modernization, but regular maintenance has been difficult in recent years, especially in the context of the conflict.

“The age of the structure and its deterioration are the main risk factors that can cause leaks in the future if urgent measures are not taken to strengthen the structure,” — the engineer noted.

Against the backdrop of these events, the international community is expressing concern about the situation at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi called for an immediate inspection of the sarcophagus and a comprehensive assessment of possible risks. He stressed that in the context of a conflict, it is especially important to observe safety measures at nuclear facilities in order to prevent catastrophic consequences.

“Any weakening of control over the condition of such objects could lead to a repetition of the tragedies of the past,” He warned.

Ukrainian authorities have already begun an additional examination of the sarcophagus to determine the extent of damage and potential threats. Experts remind that in the event of a leak, radioactive substances could spread far beyond the Chernobyl exclusion zone and affect neighboring countries. However, according to open sources, no increase in radiation levels has been recorded in neighboring Belarus, however, a drone was shot down over the Belarusian city of Gomel the day before the incident, but the Belarusian Defense Ministry has not yet commented on this incident.