Ukraine reveals €100 million price tag to repair Chernobyl arch after Russian drone strike
Photo: Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, CC BY 4.0

Restoration of the protective shelter over Chernobyl’s fourth reactor, damaged on February 14 in a Russian drone strike, may cost over €100 million. This was reported by Ukraine’s Ministry of Finance following a meeting of the Donor Assembly of the International Cooperation Account for Chornobyl, managed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

"Given the extent of the damage to the New Safe Confinement over Unit 4, the cost of restoration is expected to be substantial and will far exceed the currently available resources. The total cost could surpass €100 million," the Ministry stated.

The New Safe Confinement (NSC) at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant is the largest movable land-based structure ever built. It measures 165 meters in length, 257 meters in width, 108 meters in height, and weighs 36,000 tons. Construction began in April 2012, and by 2016, the arch had been moved into position to cover the destroyed fourth reactor. Its purpose is to contain radioactive materials, protect the environment, and enable the eventual dismantling of reactor structures and safe disposal of nuclear waste.

Funding for the project was provided by donor countries through the Chernobyl Shelter Fund, with the EBRD acting as the administrator. The structure was officially commissioned in 2019 and was designed to remain effective for at least 100 years.

The EBRD is now working with the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant (ChNPP), Ukrainian experts, and the French construction company Bouygues, which was involved in the original construction, to assess the full extent of the damage and to explore long-term remediation options.

To support these efforts, €5 million will be allocated from the existing resources of the EBRD’s Chornobyl Fund.

As of now, the fund holds over €19 million.

During the Donor Assembly meeting, the French government pledged an additional €10 million contribution.

  • On the night of February 14, 2025, a Russian UAV carrying an explosive warhead struck the NSC arch, which protects the destroyed reactor.
  • The drone reportedly flew at an altitude of 85 meters—too low to be detected by air defense radars. President Zelensky stated that this indicates a deliberate attack by Russian occupying forces.