Countries: Ukraine, Canada Source: Government of Canada The Chornobyl disaster in Ukraine demonstrated to the world that nuclear safety is a shared responsibility. Nearly forty years after the world’s worst nuclear disaster, Russia’s unprovoked and unjustifiable war of aggression against Ukraine continues to pose serious risks to nuclear safety and security. The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced a contribution of $8 million for critical repair work to the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant’s New Safe Confinement (NSC) structure, following damage caused by a Russian drone strike on February 14, 2025. The damage to the NSC structure underscores the grave risks created by Russia’s repeated strikes on civilian and nuclear infrastructure. Canada continues to condemn Russia’s actions in the strongest possible terms and remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. Canada has a long history of supporting Chornobyl-related remediation and international nuclear safety efforts through cooperation with G7 partners and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). Canada’s contribution will support efforts to stabilize and repair the NSC structure, building on the successful model that made the original enclosure possible. Canada will continue to work with international partners to uphold nuclear safety and security, protect civilians and the environment, and hold Russia accountable for the consequences of its aggression. Quick facts Since the mid‐1990s Canada has contributed more than $116. 8 million for Chornobyl‐related remediation and international nuclear safety initiatives. Canadian support has focused on: the NSC structure spent nuclear fuel storage and related decommissioning activities radiation detection, monitoring and nuclear security measures Most of Canada’s assistance, including the contribution announced today, has been delivered through multilateral mechanisms, notably the EBRD, as part of the G7-led Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction. Between 2006 to 2018, Canada contributed $55 million toward the G7’s financing of the EBRD’s Chornobyl Shelter Fund, which enabled the construction of the NSC structure, and Nuclear Safety Account, which enabled the remediation of radioactive contamination at the Chornobyl site. France, as current G7 Chair, has made international fundraising for repairs to the structure a priority for its 2026 presidency, with preliminary damage assessments estimating costs exceeding $900 million. To prevent worsening corrosion and structural risks, international partners are working toward a target completion date of 2030. Contacts Media Relations Office Global Affairs Canada media@international. gc. ca Follow us on X: @CanadaFP Like us on Facebook: Canada’s foreign policy – Global Affairs Canada
Ukraine: Minister Anand announces contribution for repairs to Chornobyl confinement structure
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