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IAEA Says Chernobyl’s Protective Arch Has Lost Main Safety Functions After Drone Strike

The watchdog calls for a fully funded restoration following an inspection that found compromised containment with radiation readings remaining stable.

Overview

  • An end-November inspection determined the New Safe Confinement no longer reliably contains radioactive materials, while load-bearing elements and monitoring systems showed no permanent damage.
  • The February strike opened roughly a 15 m² hole in the outer roof and triggered a fire that damaged interior cladding, according to the IAEA.
  • Temporary repairs have been completed, and additional short-term work is planned in 2026 with European Bank for Reconstruction and Development support to set up a full restoration when feasible.
  • The IAEA reports stable radiation levels with no detected radioactive release and continues to maintain a permanent team at the site.
  • Ukraine attributes the attack to Russia, which denies responsibility, and experts estimate a complete restoration could cost from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars.