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War in Ukraine

Drone Activity Intensifies Near Chornobyl and Other Ukrainian Nuclear Facilities

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Photo of Katherina Popilnichenko
Katherina Popilnichenko
News Writer
Ferris wheel in the ghost city of Pripyat near Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. (Source: Getty Images)
Ferris wheel in the ghost city of Pripyat near Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. (Source: Getty Images)

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported a significant rise in drone activity near several Ukrainian nuclear power plant sites this week.

On May 13 and 14, more than 160 unmanned aerial vehicles were recorded flying in the areas surrounding the South Ukraine, Chornobyl, and Rivne nuclear power plants.

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IAEA teams at the facilities stated that there has been no direct impact on nuclear safety at these locations. However, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi expressed deep concern regarding military activities near nuclear power plants during Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

He emphasized the necessity of respecting the seven indispensable pillars  for ensuring nuclear safety and security.

Grossi called for “maximum restraint” to prevent the risk of a nuclear accident.

This surge in drone activity follows a major incident earlier this month, when the crash of two Russian Shahed-type drones ignited a massive forest fire that spread across 1,100 hectares of the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone.

The State Emergency Service of Ukraine confirmed that a massive forest fire in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone was caused by the crash of two Russian Shahed-type drones. The incident occurred on May 7 during an aerial attack on the Kyiv region, and by May 8, the fire had spread across approximately 1,100 hectares of the reserve.

Emergency responders worked to contain the flames for two consecutive days, though their efforts were significantly limited by strong winds, dry weather, and the presence of landmines in the forest. Despite the scale of the fire, radiation levels in the area remained within the normal range.

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The "Seven Indispensable Pillars for Nuclear Safety and Security" are a set of principles outlined by IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi in March 2022. They define the essential, non-negotiable safety conditions required to prevent nuclear accidents during armed conflicts, particularly aimed at protecting nuclear power plants in Ukraine.

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