Downed Russian Drones Ignite New Fires in Chornobyl Exclusion Zone

Overview

• Ukrainian authorities reported new ignition points in the Opachychi research unit after air defenses brought down Russian Geran-2 drones.
• Teams found drone fragments at the crash sites, and State Emergency Service pyrotechnic units are working there.
• Heavy smoke, fallen trees and rough ground are slowing access, so crews are cutting paths with bulldozers and chainsaws.
• The nuclear regulator said automated monitors have not logged radiation spikes and current readings remain within normal limits.
• Earlier this month a forest fire burned roughly 1,100 to 1,200 hectares in the zone, and the regulator warned repeated attacks threaten forests and wildlife recovering since 1986.