100 Million Dollars from Washington for the Rehabilitation of the Damaged Chernobyl Reactor

Announcement of U.S. Support for Repairing the Chernobyl Reactor

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that the United States will contribute $100 million to repair the protective structure over the damaged reactor at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, in a statement published on the "X" platform on Thursday, April 30, 2026.

Zelensky described this contribution as an important step in U.S. support, expressing gratitude for this commitment.

Cost of Repairing the Chernobyl Reactor Exceeds 500 Million Euros

Zelensky clarified that the repair and rehabilitation work at the site will require more than 500 million euros (approximately $583 million).

According to his statement, Ukraine is working to secure the necessary funding in collaboration with its international partners to ensure the restoration operations are carried out.

Damage to Chernobyl's Shield Due to a Russian Drone

The Ukrainian president noted that a Russian drone caused damage to the steel arch covering the reactor last year, which necessitated extensive repairs to the protective structure of the nuclear site.

Commemoration of the Chernobyl Disaster and Risks of the Russian War on the Site

These statements coincided with the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster last Sunday, at a time when the ongoing Russian war on Ukraine for more than four years has imposed additional risks on the sensitive nuclear site, including the frequent flying of drones over it.

Zelensky Accuses Russia of "Nuclear Terrorism"

Zelensky accused Russia of practicing "nuclear terrorism," pointing out that Russian drones frequently fly over the nuclear reactor, and that one of them hit the protective shield last year.

He considered that Russia has "pushed the world back to the brink of a man-made disaster" since the start of its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

International Calls to De-escalate and Secure Funding

The Ukrainian president emphasized the need for the international community to act to stop what he described as the nuclear threat, asserting that continued financial support from partner countries, led by the United States, is a fundamental step towards securing the nuclear site and preventing the exacerbation of associated risks.