"If a robot or drone hits it (the shelter) directly, or even falls somewhere nearby, for example, an Iskander robot, God forbid, it will cause a mini-earthquake in the area," Sergei Tarakanov, general director of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, told AFP.
"No one can guarantee that the containment will remain standing after that. That is the biggest threat," he said of the steel and concrete sarcophagus that surrounds the reactor core.
This is the second time in a short period of time that concerns about the Chernobyl nuclear power plant's ability to prevent leaks of radioactive material have been reported.
In early December, Rafael Grossi, head of the UN Atomic Energy Agency, said that the outer containment structure is damaged and needs “extensive restoration to prevent further deterioration and ensure long-term nuclear safety.”
In connection with this, the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority wrote in an email to TT that "there are no indications of increased emissions or immediate risks to the public and no risks to Sweden".
