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IAEA Says Chernobyl’s New Safe Confinement Has Lost Its Primary Safety Functions

Temporary stabilisation is slated for 2026, with full restoration dependent on the security situation.

Overview

  • An IAEA inspection released on December 5 found the arch’s containment capability compromised after February drone damage, while reporting no permanent harm to load‑bearing structures or monitoring systems.
  • Radiation levels remain normal and no radioactive leak has been detected, the UN nuclear watchdog said.
  • The strike created an estimated 15 m² breach and triggered a fire; Ukrainian authorities blame Russia, which denies attacking the plant.
  • Limited repairs have been completed, and with EBRD support the site plans additional temporary fixes in 2026 to stabilise the structure ahead of full restoration.
  • The EBRD warns some systems designed for a 100‑year lifespan are no longer operational, and expert estimates put full rehabilitation costs in the tens to hundreds of millions of dollars.