A Russian drone equipped with a high-explosive warhead targeted the protective shell of the Chornobyl nuclear power facility in Ukraine overnight, as reported by the country’s President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

This incident occurred just hours before the commencement of the Munich Security Conference, where discussions revolved around the ongoing war in Ukraine and former President Donald Trump’s recent announcement of potential negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Zelenskyy characterized the damage to the containment structure as “substantial,” noting that it had triggered a fire. However, he reassured that radiation levels at the site remained stable. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that the attack did not compromise the facility’s inner containment system.

In a message shared on Telegram, the Ukrainian leader remarked that the assault on Chornobyl demonstrated that “Putin is clearly not preparing for negotiations.”

He emphasized, “The only nation capable of attacking nuclear facilities, occupying their territories, and engaging in military operations without regard for the repercussions is today’s Russia. This poses a terrorist threat to the entire international community,” urging that Russia be held accountable for its actions.

Andriy Yermak, head of Zelenskyy’s office, indicated that Ukraine intended to provide comprehensive details regarding the Chornobyl incident to the United States.

While not assigning blame, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi commented on social media that the Chornobyl incident, along with the recent uptick in military activity near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, “highlights ongoing nuclear safety concerns,” reiterating that the IAEA remains “on high alert.”

Repeated concerns have arisen during the ongoing war about the safety of Ukraine’s four nuclear facilities, particularly the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, which is the largest in Europe and ranks among the top ten worldwide.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov denied any involvement from Moscow in the assault. Without substantiating his claim, he suggested that Ukrainian officials were attempting to sabotage potential peace efforts between Trump and Putin.

“The Russian military would not conduct such actions. This is likely just another provocation,” Peskov stated, asserting that actions of this nature are typical of what the Kyiv regime might undertake.

Ukrainian emergency services released an image that depicted a searchlight highlighting the torn section of the roof of the damaged facility.

Zelenskyy is currently in Munich, where he is set to meet with US Vice President JD Vance, which may shed light on Trump’s approach to a potential resolution of the conflict.

At the White House, the US President expressed confidence in Putin’s assurances of a desire for peace, adding to concerns in Kyiv, which has been on edge following Trump’s conversation with the Russian leader earlier in the week.