G7 pledges funding for urgent repairs to Chernobyl's damaged sarcophagus

A Russian-operated drone struck the newly constructed protective enclosure atop Chernobyl’s Unit 4 on 14 February 2025, punching a hole about 15 square metres wide and damaging roughly 200 square metres of shielding panels. The breach weakens the structure’s capacity to contain radiation and hampers the planned safe removal of the original 1986 sarcophagus. Radiation levels measured after the impact remained within acceptable limits.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development reports that G7 countries have pledged financial assistance and are calling on additional international partners to help fund the repairs. An international donor conference will be held in Paris on 9 November to mobilise further contributions. The repair programme aims to finish by 2030 to limit corrosion risk and ensure the structure’s intended hundred-year lifespan.