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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Dan Sabbagh in Chornobyl. Photography by Julia Kochetova

Russian drone strike caused tens of millions worth of damage to Chornobyl

Safe confinement shelter severely damaged after Russian drone attack in February 2025.
Safe confinement shelter severely damaged after Russian drone attack in February 2025. Photograph: Julia Kochetova/The Guardian

A Russian Shahed drone costing up to £75,000 is estimated to have inflicted tens of millions worth of damage to the site of the Chornobyl nuclear power plant, according to initial assessments and engineering experts.

The cost of a full fix is likely to be borne by western governments including the UK, because initial estimates are that a complete repair will cost more than the €25m available in a special international contingency fund.

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