**Ukraine to Receive €42.5 Million for Chornobyl Nuclear Plant Repairs**
In a significant development, Ukraine is set to receive €42.5 million from international partners to repair the protective arch over the Chornobyl nuclear plant’s destroyed reactor. The funding announcement was made by Environment and Natural Resources Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk on June 26.
The Russian attack on February 14 had damaged the New Safe Confinement structure, built to contain radioactive material, but fortunately, no serious radiation leaks were caused. The international community has come together to support Ukraine’s efforts in repairing this critical infrastructure.
France pledged €10.6 million, the United Kingdom committed €6.9 million, and the European Commission contributed a significant €25 million toward the repairs. Hrynchuk expressed gratitude for the international support, saying it was “further evidence that Ukraine does not face its challenges alone, but has reliable friends.”
**Background on Chornobyl Nuclear Plant**
For those unfamiliar with the Chornobyl nuclear plant’s history, it was the site of the world’s worst nuclear disaster in 1986. The accident contaminated areas across Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia. In the months following the disaster, a protective structure was built over the destroyed reactor to contain radioactive material.
In 2017, an international project was completed to build a more permanent solution – the current arch that now requires repairs. Ukraine has already surveyed the building’s structure and completed preparatory work, with €400,000 allocated from a special fund in March for this purpose.
**International Partnerships**
The funding announcement was made at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) headquarters in London during a meeting of the Chornobyl International Cooperation Account Assembly of Contributors. This governing body oversees the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant account, which has received significant contributions from international partners.
This development highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing global challenges. The repair work is expected to be carried out by Ukraine, with temporary repairs planned followed by further work to fully restore the arch’s integrity and functionality.
**Other Developments**
In other news, Ukrainian media outlet The Kyiv Independent has officially reached 20,000 paying members, becoming the first Ukrainian media outlet in history to cross this milestone. This achievement is a testament to the growing demand for quality journalism in Ukraine.
Additionally, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that soldiers of the Armed Forces, National Guard, and State Border Guard Service are returning home, indicating some progress on the military front.
**A Landmark Agreement**
Ukraine and the Council of Europe signed a landmark agreement to establish a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression. This move aims to prosecute Russian leadership for the full-scale invasion. The signing follows over three years of diplomatic efforts and deliberation.
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