Russian Drones Caused New Fires In Chernobyl Zone

• 15.05.2026, 8:32

Is there an increase in background radiation?

On May 14, Russian Geran-2 drones caused new fires in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. This happened right after rescuers had just extinguished a large-scale fire that had lasted for several days.

This was reported by RBC-Ukraine with reference to GAZO.

Where is burning

New hotbeds of fire have appeared on the territory of the Opachitsky Nature Protection Research Unit of the Chernobyl Radiation and Ecological Biosphere Reserve.

The fire was extinguished by subdivisions of the North Pushcha State Scientific Research Center, the Chernobyl Reserve, the radioactive waste management company and the State Emergency Service.

The situation is complicated by thick smoke, fallen trees and difficult terrain. Heavy machinery, bulldozers and chainsaws are being used to clear a path to the fires. Remains of Russian drones have been found at the sites of the fall, and pyrotechnicians are working.

Automated radiation monitoring system has not recorded any exceeding of the control levels of gamma radiation. The indicators do not exceed the monthly average values.

Threat to the unique ecosystem

Every new fire in the Chernobyl zone is a threat to the forests and wildlife that have spent decades recovering from the 1986 disaster. This is not the first attack to cause fires in the area.