The new sarcophagus of Chernobyl has lost its tightness: two years are needed for repairs.

According to ТСН: The attack of a Russian drone on the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in February 2025 resulted in serious consequences, which turned out to be more extensive than expected. The new containment, created to isolate the destroyed reactor for 100 years, has lost its function. Restoration of the structure is expected to take about two years.

This was reported by Serhiy Kondratenko, Deputy Technical Director for Infrastructure of the state enterprise Chernobyl, in a comment to DW.

130 holes in the cladding and corrosion risk

According to Kondratenko, the drone attack caused a fire that destroyed the sealing and damaged the membrane that ensured the tightness of the containment. To extinguish the fire, SES rescue teams were forced to cut 130 openings in the outer cladding.

These openings occupy about 130 square meters, allowing precipitation to enter the containment unhindered, creating a corrosion risk for the supporting metal structures.

“The situation is currently stable, except for the fact that atmospheric precipitation is entering the interior,” Kondratenko noted.

The loss of the design properties of the containment was also confirmed by an IAEA delegation that visited the station at the end of November.

What about radiation and when will repairs be completed

Despite the loss of tightness, the radiation background remains normal. From February 14 to the present day, no emissions into the atmosphere above permissible values have been detected. However, the state nuclear regulatory authority has prohibited any planned work inside that could stir up radioactive dust until the containment is repaired.

Priority restoration work is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. The financing of the repairs is ensured by the EBRD, and damage assessment is carried out by French experts who designed this structure.

Demolition of the old sarcophagus postponed

The main consequence of the accident was the suspension of plans to dismantle the old accident “sarcophagus”. Its structures are unstable and must be dismantled, which will take no less than eight years.

However, it is impossible to start this process without the tight containment. As long as the air extraction system and moisture control inside are not restored, the old sarcophagus remains untouched.

We remind you that the IAEA recently stated that the sarcophagus over Chernobyl has lost its fundamental functions after the Russian attack. The supporting structures and monitoring systems have not suffered significant damage.

Thus, the situation around the Chernobyl nuclear power plant raises important questions about safety once again. The loss of functions of the new containment and corrosion risks threaten not only the plant itself but also the ecological situation in the region. Restoration and financing of repairs will be a priority, while the efforts of international experts will play an important role in carrying out necessary assessments and implementing recovery measures.