The foreign ministers of the G7 countries are holding discussions in Paris regarding substantial funding for the repair of the protective dome of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine. The cost of the necessary work is estimated at $575 million.
This is reported by Finway
G7 Focus — Chernobyl Security and Support for Ukraine
During the negotiations in Paris, diplomatic representatives from the G7 countries emphasize that Ukraine remains a priority for the international community. French Foreign Ministry representative Pascal Confavre highlighted that, despite rising tensions in the Middle East, attention to the Ukrainian issue has not diminished.
“This may be a risk, but it is not a reality,” he said.
According to Confavre, the current meeting is dedicated, in particular, to a session supporting Kyiv, which includes the Ukrainian foreign minister. The French diplomat reminded that the G7 was established for candid discussions on key international issues, among which the issues of Ukraine, Iran, and the Middle East are currently particularly prominent.
Consequences of the Dome Strike and the Need for Restoration
The main topic of discussion was the necessity to restore the massive protective dome covering the destroyed fourth reactor of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, which was damaged in 2025 due to a drone attack. The Ukrainian side claims that the strike was carried out by a Russian drone with an explosive warhead, while the Kremlin dismisses such accusations, alleging a provocation by Kyiv aimed at derailing peace negotiations.
Although the damage to the dome was limited, it has significant financial and nuclear safety implications. Pascal Confavre emphasized the seriousness of the risks this situation poses for nuclear safety in Europe.
According to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, repairing the protective structure requires about $575 million. Currently, G7 ministers are discussing ways to mobilize this amount, and it is expected that all partners, including the United States, will contribute to the funding.
The issue of security at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant during the war in Ukraine remains highly relevant. The scale of recovery after the disaster at the plant and new challenges due to hostilities indicate a constant danger even beyond the front lines.
France, like the entire G7, emphasizes its unwavering support for Ukraine: “We are discussing Ukraine today. And we will continue to do so,” said Confavre.
For reference, the fourth reactor of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant exploded in 1986, causing the largest nuclear disaster in the world. A new protective dome costing $2.5 billion was constructed in 2019 to prevent radiation leaks and facilitate further dismantling work on the destroyed reactor.