US Ready to Allocate Up to $100 Million for Chornobyl Arch Restoration After Russian Drone Damage

The United States of America has announced its readiness to allocate up to $100 million for the restoration of the new sarcophagus over the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, which was damaged as a result of a Russian drone strike. This amount represents up to 20% of the Group of Seven (G7)'s projected repair costs. This was reported by the US Department of State on April 29.

In its statement, the State Department emphasized that after last year's damage, caused by the «senseless war between Russia and Ukraine», the sarcophagus, originally designed for 100 years of operation, no longer provides adequate protection against potential radiation leakage. The US, demonstrating consistent leadership in nuclear safety and non-proliferation, in cooperation with Congress, proactively expressed its willingness to cover 20%, or $100 million, of the total projected G7 costs of $500 million for the arch's restoration.

The State Department urged G7 countries and European partners to follow the US example and make significant financial contributions. This statement was made ahead of the 40th anniversary of the Chornobyl accident, when the US State Department also underscored the priority of nuclear safety at Chornobyl and worldwide. The European Union, on the anniversary of the Chornobyl accident, called on the Russian Federation to stop attacks on nuclear facilities in Ukraine.