Russian attack on Chernobyl could delay dismantling of Soviet sarcophagus: when the plan was to be approved

At the 4th power unit of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, which was damaged by a recent Russian attack, the dismantling of the sarcophagus, installed back in 1986 and covered with a new sarcophagus in 2016, will probably have to be postponed. This was reported by the New York Times, reports UNN.

Details

Journalists spoke with engineers and experts who were involved in the construction of a new "Shelter" facility over the destroyed power unit. According to the media, by the end of 2025, it may be possible to approve a plan to eliminate the old sarcophagus. However, these plans will probably have to be postponed due to the Russian attack.

Andriy Siryi, head of the operation department of the new safe confinement at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, said that a complete restoration of the facility is currently impossible. According to him, after the attack, firefighters had to break through the structure and pour water inside, as there could be pockets of fire there. Because of this, the hole may cause corrosion of the entire structure - in turn, the condition of the old, Soviet shelter may worsen.

In order to bring the new sarcophagus closer to its original state, it will take hundreds of millions of dollars, says Siryi.

Let us remind you

On the night of February 14, a Russian strike drone with a high-explosive part damaged the protective shelter at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. The damage violated the isolation function.