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IAEA Says Chernobyl Shelter Has Lost Key Safety Functions After February Drone Strike

The agency urges rapid restoration, with additional temporary repairs planned in 2026 with EBRD support.

Overview

  • Inspectors reported no permanent damage to load-bearing structures or monitoring systems and detected no radiation release.
  • Limited roof repairs have been carried out, but the IAEA says full restoration is essential to prevent further degradation and ensure long-term safety.
  • The agency recommends tighter moisture control, an updated corrosion-monitoring program, and modernization of integrated automatic monitoring systems.
  • Temporary repair work backed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is planned in 2026 to help reestablish the shelter’s confinement function.
  • Ukraine blames Russia for the February drone attack and Moscow denies involvement, while the IAEA maintains a permanent team on site.