The National Guard has placed the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant (ChNPP) and the exclusion zone under strengthened protection. For more effective defense, they are also coordinating closely with Defense Forces units.
On January 19, National Guard Commander Oleksandr Pivnenko reported this, according to Suspilne.
According to the brigadier general, over the past few months the National Guard has implemented a series of measures to strengthen the combat readiness of units assigned to this area.
“Organizational and staffing changes have been carried out: personnel numbers have been increased, units equipped with modern weapons, anti-tank missile systems, mortars, air defense systems, necessary equipment, and gear have been reinforced,” the statement said.
The use of drones is also being increased to protect the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant and the exclusion zone.
“This direction will continue to expand as a key element of security, reinforcing other units. Drone operations ensure continuous monitoring, timely information gathering, and enhance readiness to respond immediately to any changes in the situation,” Oleksandr Pivnenko said.
The brigadier general also noted that National Guard units regularly conduct military exercises together with other military and law enforcement forces to practice various defense scenarios.
Earlier reports stated that priority work to restore the confinement over the destroyed fourth reactor at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant is planned to be completed by the end of 2026. The protective arch, which prevents radiation leaks, was damaged during a Russian attack on February 14, 2025.
What is known about the Russian drone attack on ChNPP
On the night of February 14, a Russian attack drone carrying an explosive warhead struck the shelter at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant. According to the State Emergency Service, radiation levels on the site were normal in the morning.
Ukraine called on the IAEA to intensify efforts to prevent Russian attacks on nuclear facilities following the strike on the shelter over the fourth reactor.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that the Russian drone that hit the sarcophagus at Chornobyl flew at an altitude of 85 meters. At this height, radars are unable to detect drones.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmytro Peskov denied Russia’s involvement in the strike on ChNPP.
