Russia attacked the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. What should people do in case of a radiation leak?

    Russian forces attacked the territory of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant using a drone with an explosive warhead. The shelter that protects the world from radiation from the destroyed 4th reactor has been hit.

  President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky reported:
“According to preliminary assessments, the shelter has suffered significant damage. Putin continues to deceive the world; he is certainly not preparing for negotiations.”

This attack creates a threat of a radiation leak, which could lead to an environmental catastrophe on an international scale.

Iuliia Markhel, leader of Let’s do it Ukraine:
“This attack is not only a crime against Ukraine but also a global threat to the planet. Radiation knows no borders, and we must be prepared for a radiation leak and promptly  unite to protect the lives of millions of people and the environment.”

Air quality

The radiation levels in the city of Chernobyl, as of February 14, 2025, remain within their typical range for the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone and amount to 0.166–0.378 μSv/h (the lowest and highest readings in the last 24 hours). The readings are taken by various devices, from online monitoring stations to daily manual measurements by relevant state institutions at stationary observation posts.

The atmospheric air quality index in the city of Chernobyl, as of 08:00 on February 14, 2025, is 106 – this is a harmful level for sensitive groups due to air pollution, which may cause breathing discomfort in people with lung diseases such as asthma, as well as in people with heart diseases, children, and the elderly.

What should people do in case of a radiation leak?

Follow official information – get updates from the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, the Ministry of Health, and international organizations.

Stay indoors – if possible, do not go outside, close windows, doors, and ventilation openings.

Prepare a supply of water and food – use airtight containers for storage.

Take potassium iodide – only according to official recommendations, to reduce the impact of radioactive iodine on the thyroid gland.

Avoid consuming local products – vegetables, fruits, milk, water from open sources.

Wear protective clothing – if you have to go outside, use a respirator, protective raincoat or waterproof clothing, gloves.

Decontaminate after being outdoors – take a shower, change clothes to prevent radioactive dust from entering the body.

Environmental impact

Radioactive air pollution can spread over vast distances, creating a threat to people and nature far beyond the affected area. High radiation levels can cause the death of plants and animals, leading to biodiversity loss. Water contamination will have long-term consequences for ecosystems, affecting drinking water, fish resources, and agriculture. Radioactive dust settling on the soil will make it unsuitable for growing crops, which may cause a food crisis.

Find out more in the news on the website letsdoitukraine.org and on social networks:
facebook.com/letsdoitukraineeco / instagram.com/letsdoitukraine / https://www.tiktok.com/@letsdoitukraine

Maria Surova – External Communications Coordinator, +380 68 722 66 78 press@letsdoitukraine.org