Overview
- An IAEA inspection reported on December 5–6 concluded the New Safe Confinement has lost its confinement role, though load‑bearing supports and monitoring systems show no permanent damage.
- Radiation levels at the site remain normal and stable, and officials report no radioactive release.
- Damage stems from a February 2025 drone strike that opened an estimated 15 m² hole and triggered an interior fire; Ukraine blames Russia, which denies involvement.
- Temporary fixes were made after the strike, and the IAEA says additional temporary repairs will proceed in 2026 with European Bank for Reconstruction and Development support to restore containment capability.
- Funding discussions are under way, including a roughly €10 million pledge from France, while experts estimate a full restoration could cost tens to hundreds of millions of dollars.