International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) warns the protective shield at Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant is damaged after a drone strike, and the immediate reaction is one of concern, for sure. Reading headlines that combine “Chernobyl” and “damaged” is a surefire way to get the heart racing. It’s a stark reminder of the potential consequences when conflict intrudes on sites holding significant risks. The idea that a drone could breach the protective shield is alarming, and it underscores the unpredictable nature of warfare and the potential for things to escalate in ways no one wants.
It’s genuinely troubling that we’re even in this situation.… Continue reading
The new safe confinement at the Chernobyl nuclear plant, constructed in 2019 as part of a €1.5 billion Europe-led initiative, has suffered damage. The structure, designed to prevent radioactive leakage and replace the reactor destroyed in the 1986 meltdown, was targeted by Russian drones. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, the attack resulted in the loss of the confinement facility’s primary safety functions, including its ability to contain radioactive materials.
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Reports from the Russian Telegram channel ASTRA indicate that Ukrainian forces struck the Ryazan Oil Refinery overnight on December 5-6, marking the ninth attack on the facility this year. Local residents reported the incident amidst a wider drone attack, with social media showing visuals of flames and smoke. While the Ryazan Oblast Governor confirmed a drone attack, he claimed the resulting fire was quickly extinguished with no significant damage. Russia’s Defense Ministry later stated that air defense had shot down 29 drones in the region.
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A recent inspection by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) revealed that the protective shield over the Chornobyl nuclear reactor has been degraded by a drone strike in February, compromising its ability to block radiation. This “new safe confinement” structure, completed in 2019 at significant cost, was designed to contain radiation during the long-term removal of the reactor’s remains. While the IAEA confirmed no permanent damage to load-bearing structures, the impact has diminished the shield’s primary safety functions, necessitating comprehensive restoration. Despite the damage, radiation levels remain stable, and there have been no reported leaks.
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Overnight drone strikes targeted oil depots in Russia’s Tambov and Voronezh regions. In the Tambov region, a fire erupted at an oil depot after debris from a drone fell, as reported by the regional governor. The specific oil depot affected was identified as the Nikiforovskaya oil depot in Dmitrievka, a Rosneft-owned facility with a substantial capacity for diesel fuel storage. Authorities responded swiftly, deploying emergency services and resources to address the situation.
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On November 23, Ukrainian drones conducted a targeted strike on the Perekop Bromine Plant in Krasnoperekopsk, Crimea, a major chemical producer of bromine and other compounds. Footage suggests the use of domestically produced FP-1 or FP-2 strike drones. The attack, which occurred overnight between November 22 and 23, hit the facility, the only producer of bromine-based chemical compounds in Eastern Europe. Simultaneously, Ukrainian drones also targeted the “Krasnoperekopsk” substation, a critical component of Crimea’s power grid.
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On the night of November 3-4, Ukrainian forces conducted a drone strike on the Lukoil-Nizhegorodnefteorgsintez oil refinery in Russia’s Nizhny Novgorod Oblast using over fifty Ukrainian-made drones. The attack targeted a rectification column undergoing repair, crucial for primary oil processing. Videos from Russian sources documented explosions and a fire at the refinery, a major supplier of fuel, particularly for the Moscow Oblast, and a key producer for the Russian military and defense industry. The refinery’s substantial output includes various fuel types and other products.
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On November 3rd, Russian forces fatally struck two civilians and their dog in Kruhliakivka, Kupiansk district, utilizing a drone strike. The victims were reportedly walking under a white flag, a recognized symbol of truce, when targeted. The 77th Aeromobile Brigade reported the absence of military targets nearby, suggesting the act was intended to falsely accuse Ukraine. This incident highlights the ongoing use of drone strikes, particularly in the Kharkiv region, which have been causing civilian casualties.
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Overnight drone strikes targeted multiple industrial and energy sites deep within Russia, resulting in fires at refineries and petrochemical plants. One such attack led to a fire at the Frolovskaya electrical substation in the Volgograd region, confirmed by Governor Andrei Bocharov, causing power outages in Frolovo and surrounding districts. The Kursk region also experienced power outages impacting over 16,000 consumers due to what was described as an “enemy strike” on a substation, according to Governor Alexander Khinshtein.
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On November 1st, Ukrainian drones targeted an oil terminal and tanker in Russia’s Krasnodar Krai, resulting in five strikes and significant damage to port infrastructure. The attack, confirmed by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, disabled at least four piers and caused a fire on a tanker, impacting a critical hub for Russian oil exports. Ukrainian officials stated the strikes would have long-term consequences, affecting shipping and insurance costs. This marks the second time the Tuapse terminal, operated by Rosneft, has been hit, as Kyiv continues its strategy of targeting Russian oil infrastructure to disrupt its war efforts.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker