Britain to fund repairs to Chernobyl nuclear power plant shelter damaged by Russian drone
The UK government has announced a £17 million (approximately $22.5 million) allocation for the restoration of the protective shelter at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, damaged by a Russian drone in February 2025. Funds will be directed to repairing the structure that shields the destroyed fourth reactor of the plant.
A new funding package was announced by the UK government on 15 October. The assistance will be part of an international Chernobyl recovery programme coordinated by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) with participation from Ukraine and G7 countries.
The main task is to restore the airtight integrity of the protective structure and the operation of ventilation systems. These functions are necessary for isolating radioactive materials and maintaining proper operating conditions for the New Safe Confinement.
The UK government warns that without timely repairs, the damaged structure may suffer further corrosion. This creates risks for its long-term operation and could undermine the results of years of international investment in nuclear safety.
The New Safe Confinement is a large steel arch installed over the fourth reactor of the Chernobyl plant, destroyed in the 1986 accident. The structure was commissioned in 2019. It is designed for at least 100 years of operation and should ensure safe dismantling of the old sarcophagus.
On 14 February 2025, a Russian strike drone penetrated the outer and inner cladding of the arch, causing a fire and damaging technological systems. According to the EBRD, a hole of about 15 square metres was formed in the structure, with a total damaged panel area of approximately 200 square metres.
After the attack, the confinement lost its airtight integrity, and part of the internal environment control systems ceased to function normally. At the same time, radiation readings after the strike remained within acceptable limits.
The estimated cost of fully restoring the protective structure is at least €500 million. According to the EBRD, the necessary work should ensure the confinement returns to full functionality by 2030.
To finance the repairs, international partners are using the International Chernobyl Cooperation Account (ICCA), managed by the EBRD. The United Kingdom was among the first donors to this mechanism. Before the new decision, its total contributions stood at €8 million.
Other countries are also involved in the restoration of the Chernobyl plant. In particular, in August Germany announced the allocation of €50 million for repairs to the confinement. Earlier, the US reported readiness to provide up to $100 million.
The new UK funding complements a package of assistance for Ukraine worth £54 million announced last week. It includes, in particular, £20 million for energy infrastructure support ahead of winter.
Total UK aid to Ukraine since the start of the full-scale war, according to the country's government, is approaching £25 billion, of which over £770 million is for energy support.
Sources: UK government, EBRD