Overview
- An IAEA inspection last week confirmed the New Safe Confinement lost its confinement capability after a February 14 drone strike that sparked a fire and damaged the outer cladding.
- The assessment found no permanent damage to load‑bearing structures or monitoring systems, and authorities reported no radiation releases.
- Limited fixes have been made, and the IAEA urged measures including tighter humidity control, an updated corrosion‑monitoring program, and upgrades to the original sarcophagus monitoring system.
- Additional temporary repairs are planned in 2026 with European Bank for Reconstruction and Development support to help restore confinement ahead of a full restoration when conditions allow.
- The IAEA maintains a permanent team at the site and is inspecting more than 10 electrical substations linked to nuclear safety through December 12, as Ukraine blames Russia for the strike and Moscow denies involvement.