Britain has committed £17 million to restore critical safety systems at Ukraine’s Chernobyl nuclear power plant following damage caused by a Russian drone strike in 2025.

The funding will support repairs to the facility’s protective shelter and ventilation systems, which are essential to containing radiation and maintaining the structure’s integrity. Without the intervention, corrosion could weaken the shelter and increase long-term environmental and nuclear safety risks.

According to The Independent, the funding forms part of an international initiative coordinated by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in partnership with the Ukrainian government and G7 donors.

The announcement followed talks between British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at Downing Street on Wednesday, as London reaffirmed its support for Kyiv amid growing tensions between Ukraine and the United States over Washington’s approach to Russia.

British Chancellor John Healey said the government remained committed to supporting Ukraine and helping rebuild infrastructure damaged by the ongoing war. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband also pledged continued cooperation with international allies to strengthen Ukraine’s security and pursue a lasting peace.

The UK has also promised to accelerate deliveries of air defence missiles to Ukraine as Russian attacks continue to target the country’s energy infrastructure, including electricity, oil and gas facilities.