Ukraine, together with international partners and donors, is developing a step-by-step plan to restore the functionality of the New Safe Confinement (NSC) over the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant (ChNPP).
This was announced by Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources Svitlana Hrynchuk on Facebook, as reported by Ukrinform.
She reminded that the Cabinet of Ministers has allocated over UAH 1.5 billion to maintain the shelter in a safe condition, increasing funding by UAH 139 million compared to 2024.
“We continue cooperation with partners and donors. The EBRD has assured us of its support for Chornobyl’s safety and readiness for joint efforts to mitigate and eliminate the consequences of this aggression. Next are technical consultations,” Hrynchuk stated.
Hrynchuk, along with members of the Operational Headquarters at the Chornobyl NPP State Specialized Enterprise led by Head of the State Agency for Exclusion Zone Management Hryhorii Ishchenko, inspected the site where a Russian kamikaze drone with an explosive warhead struck the protective structure of the NSC. The situation remains under control.
She also met with rescue workers and specialists who are monitoring the site 24/7.
“The elimination of the consequences of this Russian terrorist act is ongoing. The radiation level at the site has not changed since February 14. The radiation situation is under constant control, as confirmed by IAEA experts who inspected the damage and conducted their own measurements,” Hrynchuk added.
The Russian invasion has created new challenges for nuclear security, with continued attacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure.
“The attack on Chornobyl is another red line that Russia has crossed. The New Safe Confinement was built to protect against radiation threats, not armed aggression. We must work with the international community to prevent further attacks,” the Minister emphasized.
As reported, on February 14, a Russian kamikaze drone Geran-2 (Shahed type) struck the shelter over the destroyed fourth reactor of the Chornobyl NPP.
The Security Service of Ukraine found drone fragments inside and near the shelter, confirming that the attack was deliberate.
Later that evening, a fire broke out on the outer cladding of the New Safe Confinement, which was localized by emergency crews.
Chornobyl NPP’s Chief Engineer, Oleksandr Tytarchuk, warned that the attack could lead to potential releases of radioactive substances under certain conditions.
Following the incident, Ukraine urged the IAEA to take urgent action to stop Russian attacks on nuclear facilities.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi called the strike on Chornobyl a very serious incident, warning that nuclear safety in Ukraine remains under severe threat.
On February 17, new smoldering fire spots were detected at the ChNPP, prompting firefighting efforts to resume.
Source: Plan for Chornobyl NPP shelter restoration in development – Ministry of Environment
