The Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant shelter has lost its main protective functions, according to the IAEA.

The agency announced a recent inspection of the shelter and the completion of repairs to damage caused by a drone strike in February.

At that time, the structure caught fire, and the fire engulfed the outer shell of the steel confinement built to prevent emissions from the reactor destroyed in 1986.

An inspection showed that the new shelter's ability to contain possible emissions has been effectively lost. However, the load-bearing elements and monitoring systems were not permanently damaged.

Minor temporary repairs have already been made to the roof, but the IAEA recommends continuing the restoration work: establishing humidity control, updating the corrosion monitoring program, and modernizing the surveillance system for the old "Shelter" facility.

Such work is planned to be carried out in 2026 with the support of the EBRD, the agency added.