The British Government has communicated the approval of 17 million pounds sterling, a little more than 20 million euros, to fund the repair works of the security shelter of the Chernobyl nuclear plant, which suffered damage during a Russian attack last year. The contribution is part of an international program coordinated by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), in which Ukraine and the G7 donor countries participate.
According to the details provided by the UK ministers of Finance and Foreign Affairs, these funds will allow for key interventions to restore the confinement and ventilation functions of the protective structure, as well as ensure that it can remain operational during the expected lifespan.
The British Executive has warned in a note published on its official website that the absence of actions could accelerate the corrosion of the shelter and jeopardize decades of international investments aimed at ensuring the protection of the site, with possible environmental impacts and long-term dangers.
This contribution is part of London's support for Ukraine's nuclear security in the face of the ongoing Russian attacks against the country's critical infrastructure. The British Government has reiterated that it will maintain its assistance to Kyiv both to resist the invasion and to repair the damage caused by the war.
In this regard, the Finance Minister, John Healey, has emphasized that support for Ukraine does not wane despite the prolongation of the Russian offensive. "As the large-scale invasion of Ukraine by (Russian President, Vladimir) Putin continues, our commitment to the Ukrainian people remains unwavering," he stated.
Healey has also defended the combination of economic pressure on Moscow and support for Ukrainian reconstruction. "We are reducing the funds for the war that Putin so desires and supporting the reconstruction of Ukraine, which has suffered at the hands of his barbaric attacks," he pointed out.
The Foreign Minister, Ed Miliband, has reiterated London's support for the Ukrainian authorities and has linked this aid to efforts to raise the cost of the Russian offensive. "Our message to Putin is clear: we unconditionally support Ukraine and we will do so until it triumphs," he declared.
"Together with our allies, we are reinforcing the security of Ukraine, increasing the cost of Russian aggression and working for a just and lasting peace," he has noted.
The announcement of the contribution for Chernobyl comes in a context of renewed escalation of Russian attacks against Ukrainian energy facilities, and occurs after British Prime Minister Andy Burnham received Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday at Downing Street, where he urged international partners to double down on pressure on Russia's military and economic capacity.
The meeting took place after Miliband's first trip to Kiev since his appointment, during which he announced a winter assistance package valued at 54 million pounds, about 63.7 million euros. Of that amount, 20 million pounds will be specifically directed to the energy sector, with the purpose of helping to ensure electricity supply and heating in Ukrainian homes during the colder months.