Overview
- An IAEA mission reported that Chernobyl’s New Safe Confinement has lost its primary safety functions, including confinement capability.
- The agency linked the degradation to a February 14 drone strike that pierced the outer shell and briefly ignited a fire, an attack Ukraine blames on Russia and the Kremlin denies.
- Measured radiation levels at the site have not risen, according to the IAEA, since the inner containment was not breached.
- The IAEA urged comprehensive restoration, including humidity control, updated corrosion monitoring, and upgrades to integrated automatic monitoring systems.
- Limited repairs have been completed, and temporary stabilization and monitoring enhancements are planned with EBRD support in 2026 for the €2.1 billion structure funded by more than 45 donors.