Chernobyl 40th Anniversary: IAEA Demands Immediate Sarcophagus Repairs; Zelensky Accuses Russia of Nuclear Terrorism

April 26, 2026 marks 40 years since the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. President Zelensky accused Russia of 'nuclear terrorism,' stating: 'Russia is again bringing the world to the brink of a man-made disaster — Russian drones regularly pass over Chernobyl, and one struck its protective shell last year.' IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi issued an urgent statement saying damage to the New Safe Confinement sarcophagus — the steel arch enclosing Reactor No. 4 — has already compromised a key safety function and repairs must begin immediately. The protective structure was damaged by a Russian drone strike in 2025. Meanwhile, Russian strikes continued across Ukraine on the anniversary date: in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, a Russian guided aerial bomb struck a civilian minibus in the Huliaipole direction, killing 1 and injuring 4. ISW reported 149 confirmed combat engagements on April 26, making it one of the most active combat days of 2026. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 2,229 of the day's deployed drones. Russian forces recorded cumulative losses of approximately 1,325,650 personnel since February 24, 2022 (Ukrainian MoD), with 960 additional losses on April 26.