Ukraine has signed an agreement for the first 30 million euros to fund the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant’s renovation
27 April 06:11
A fundraising campaign has been launched to restore the New Safe Confinement at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant following the Russian attack; the total cost of the work is estimated at 500 million euros. This was reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing a statement by Ukraine’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Denys Shmyhal, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
Agreement with the EBRD and Initial Contributions
According to the minister, during the International Chernobyl Conference, Ukraine signed an agreement with the EBRD to allocate €30 million for the first phase of work.
These funds will be used for damage assessment, design, and the procurement of necessary equipment.
In addition, the partners have already committed to providing nearly €100 million more to enhance nuclear safety. Following the event, 24 countries endorsed a joint statement on mobilizing resources for the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant.
Minister’s Statement
Shmyhal emphasized the importance of support from the international community to overcome the consequences of Russia’s attacks.
“I am extremely grateful to the EBRD for its leadership role in mobilizing financial resources. Solidarity with Ukraine in the fields of energy and nuclear safety is a joint investment in Europe’s security,” emphasized Denys Shmyhal.
Threats and the 40th anniversary of the disaster
As a reminder, April 26, 2026, marked the 40th anniversary of the accident at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. Over this time, the Exclusion Zone has transformed from a dead zone into a unique nature reserve; however, full-scale war and attacks on the power grid have brought back a sense of constant danger to the area.
Experts emphasize that radiation is not completely confined within the Zone. Dangerous isotopes can migrate to uncontaminated areas, and the main channels of spread remain the waters of the Pripyat River, which flows into the Dnieper, as well as winds that carry radioactive dust and smoke during large-scale forest fires.
