Britain funds critical repairs to Chornobyl nuclear power plant damaged by Russian drone attack
The UK will provide £17 million to repair Ukraine’s Chornobyl nuclear plant after a Russian drone strike damaged its protective shelter, as part of an international effort led by the EBRD and G7 donors.
The UK government announced £17 million in funding to repair damage at the Chornobyl nuclear power plant caused by a Russian drone strike last year. The funds will support repairs to the protective shelter’s confinement and ventilation systems, which are critical to maintaining the plant’s safety and longevity. The UK’s contribution is part of an international programme coordinated by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, alongside Ukraine’s government and G7 donors. Without these repairs, corrosion could threaten decades of international investment and pose long-term environmental and safety risks.
Russia carried out over 200 strikes on Ukraine’s electricity infrastructure and 17 on oil and gas facilities between 5 and 11 October, including six energy attacks since a ceasefire announcement. On 13 October, Russia launched 39 ballistic missiles at Ukraine, primarily targeting energy infrastructure, leaving 600,000 civilians without power. The UK reiterated its commitment to Ukraine, stating its support remains unshakeable amid Russia’s continued invasion.
The UK has a long-standing record of supporting nuclear safety at Chornobyl, having been a founding donor to the International Chornobyl Cooperation Account in 2020. The UK has donated a total of €8 million to the ICCA, making it the third-largest individual donor after Norway and France. The new £17 million contribution will build on this support while addressing the consequences of Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Last week, the UK’s Foreign Secretary visited Kyiv for the first time since taking office, announcing £54 million in winter support, including £20 million for energy to help maintain power supply. The Prime Minister also met President Zelenskyy in London, urging allies to increase pressure on Russia. The UK has provided nearly £25 billion in total support to Ukraine, including over £770 million for energy, and sanctioned over 3,500 individuals and entities under its Russia sanctions regime.