April 24, 2026 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs 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.