Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Russian Drone Cripples Chernobyl Confinement; EU Pledges €1 B

4/25/2026

28 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

A Russian drone strike in February 2025 pierced the New Safe Confinement at Chernobyl, disabling the structure.
Officials estimate that repairs will require three to four years to complete.
The EU has provided over €1 billion for Ukrainian nuclear safety, including €423 million for the confinement and €37 million for its repair.
Russian forces occupied Chernobyl from 24 February to 31 March 2022, looted equipment and disrupted power.

History

Historical Context

After the 26 April 1986 explosion at Chernobyl, the Soviet Union erected a concrete sarcophagus to contain Reactor 4, later replaced by the New Safe Confinement completed in 2016. In February 2025 a Russian drone struck the NSC, prompting the IAEA to declare it lost its primary safety function and urging a reinforced security regime.

1 of 2

Story summary

A Russian drone strike in February 2025 pierced the New Safe Confinement at Chernobyl, disabling the structure.
Officials estimate that repairs will require three to four years to complete.
The EU has provided over €1 billion for Ukrainian nuclear safety, including €423 million for the confinement and €37 million for its repair.
Russian forces occupied Chernobyl from 24 February to 31 March 2022, looted equipment and disrupted power.

1 / 2