Safeguarding Chornobyl: strengthening protection and resilience in Ukraine

The Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant disaster of 1986 remains among the most powerful reminders about the risks of unsafe operation of nuclear power plant and the importance of international cooperation in crisis response. Nearly 4 decades after the disaster, the site is once again at the centre of concern amid ongoing instability in Ukraine due to the on-going armed conflict.

Between legacy and responsibility

The steam explosion in the reactor building on 26 April 1986 released radioactive material across large parts of Europe, prompting one of the worst nuclear accidents in history. Widespread evacuations, long-term environmental contamination, and lasting health impacts reshaped global nuclear safety standards, giving renewed impulse to emergency preparedness frameworks.

Today, the situation around Chornobyl, located near the town of Pripyat, remains fragile. The Russian war of aggression on Ukraine, its relentless attacks, military activity in the region and disruptions to the site pose a continuous threat to nuclear safety, raising concerns about the integrity of containment structures and the safe confinement of the radioactive materials.

On 14 February 2025, an explosion caused by a Russian drone attack was reported at Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant's Unit 4, within the New Safe Confinement (NSC) building Chornobyl site.

Working in shifts, more than 400 emergency response personnel from the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU) have been participating in the site's efforts to manage the aftermath of the drone strike. Response was hampered by the 100 m working height, cold weather, and elevated levels of radiation exposure on top of the NSC. Radiation monitoring continues to show normal levels within the NSC and surrounding areas.

Thanks to the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC), the EU has mobilised chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) items from the rescEU stocks hosted by Finland, Denmark, Poland and Slovenia of a total financial value of more than €1 million.

EU commitment to safety and preparedness

Beyond nuclear safety, the aftermath of the Chornobyl accident also has grave humanitarian implications. Communities already affected by displacement, limited access to services, and ongoing insecurity remain vulnerable to potential radiological risks. Ensuring that people have access to accurate information, healthcare, and basic services is a critical part of managing the broader impact.

The European Union is addressing these challenges through a combined approach of nuclear safety, civil protection and humanitarian assistance. The Commission has played a leading role in Chornobyl's safety, contributing over €470 million for nuclear safety and decommissioning via TACIS and the Instrument for Nuclear Safety Cooperation (INSC). Key efforts include funding the New Safe Confinement (NSC) to cover the damaged reactor, financing a dry spent fuel facility, and supporting recent repairs of the structure.

Through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM), the EU has delivered specialised equipment such as radiation detection devices, protective gear, and emergency support to Ukrainian authorities. At the same time, EU humanitarian funding is helping to assist affected populations across Ukraine. This includes strengthening healthcare services, supporting displaced people, and ensuring that emergency response systems can operate effectively even in high-risk environments.

In close cooperation with international partners such as the International Atomic Energy Agency, the EU continues to monitor the situation and provide technical, logistical, and humanitarian support. This integrated response helps ensure both the safety of nuclear facilities and the protection of civilians.

Chornobyl's legacy is a stark reminder that nuclear risks are not only technical, but human. Through coordinated action, the EU is working to reduce those risks while supporting the people who live with their consequences every day.

Story by: Federica Cuccia, Communication Officer, Directorate-General for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid (DG ECHO)