Russian drone attack on Chornobyl NPP: the Government allocates over UAH 1.5 billion to support the shelter
18 February 14:45
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has decided to allocate more than UAH 1.5 billion to ensure the safe condition of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant (ChNPP) shelter. This decision was made against the backdrop of Russia’s latest attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. This was reported by Komersant ukrainskyi with reference to the head of the Ukrainian government Denys Shmyhal during a government meeting.
Allocation of funds for the Chernobyl nuclear power plant shelter
According to him, the issue of energy security remains one of the key ones due to Russia’s systematic attacks on critical facilities. Recently, terrorists attacked a thermal power plant in Mykolaiv, which threatened tens of thousands of residents.
“Thanks to the efficient work of power engineers, heat supply in the city has been restored, and the temperature in homes is gradually returning to normal,” noted Shmyhal.
Threats and security measures
At the same time, the enemy continues shelling gas production and distribution facilities. The government assures that it is doing everything possible to ensure a stable heating season and gas supply to the population.
Regarding the situation at the Chornobyl nuclear power plant, the Prime Minister emphasized that the recent Russian drone strike on the plant’s shelter was intended to intimidate Ukraine and the international community. However, there is currently no radiation threat, and experts continue to eliminate the consequences of the attack.
“Today, the government is allocating more than UAH 1.5 billion to maintain the safe condition of the Chornobyl NPP shelter. This is 139 million UAH more than in 2024,” Shmyhal emphasized.
European financial support
In addition, the government has decided to attract a EUR 400 million loan from the European Investment Bank. Part of these funds will be used for the energy-efficient restoration of critical infrastructure.
Russian strike on the Chornobyl sarcophagus
On February 14, a Russian attack drone with an explosive warhead hit a shelter that protects the world from radiation from the destroyed 4th unit of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant.
on February 16, representatives of the International Atomic Energy Agency inspected the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant shelter. During the inspection, the IAEA team noted that the outer and inner shells of the arch had been damaged by a drone attack. A hole with a diameter of about 6 meters was formed there, and some equipment and electrical cables were also damaged. However, the support beams were not significantly damaged.
Repairs are expected to begin when the fire is completely out.
Follow us on Telegram: the main news in a nutshell
What is known about the Chornobyl sarcophagus
As a reminder, the sarcophagus built over the exploded fourth power unit was gradually collapsing, which could have led to a catastrophe. In March 2004, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development announced a tender for the design, construction and commissioning of a new sarcophagus for the Chornobyl NPP.
The main function of the new arch is to limit the spread of radioactive substances contained in the Shelter. This condition must be met both in normal operation and in the event of an accident (destruction) of the existing Shelter. The project envisages that the new structure will be operated for 100 years.
The new sarcophagus at the Chornobyl NPP was built by about 3,000 workers starting in April 2012. The builders worked in shifts to avoid exceeding the permissible radiation dose. Almost three billion dollars were allocated for its construction by the European Union and the United States. The new sarcophagus was put into operation in July 2019.
