The US State Department has announced it will allocate up to $100 million from available foreign aid funds to support G7 countries’ coordinated efforts in repairing the protective sarcophagus at Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant (Chernobyl NPP). This initial contribution represents 20% of an estimated $500 million required for restoration.
The department noted that the United States has already committed more than $365 million toward constructing a new protective shelter. The State Department urged G7 partners and Europe to follow Washington’s lead in making financial commitments.
Station director Sergey Tarakanov warned on December 23, 2025, that the sarcophagus could collapse due to an impact. Prior to this, Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), stated that damage to the structure threatens ongoing decommissioning efforts and that the new protective shelter built after a February strike has lost its protective functions.
Additionally, Grossi reported on January 20 that all external power supply to Chernobyl had been interrupted. The IAEA is monitoring the situation.
