# Britain pledges £17m to repair Chernobyl after Russian strike

> The UK funds essential repairs to the nuclear site's shelter and ventilation systems damaged in a drone attack, as Andy Burnham hosts Volodymyr Zelensky at Downing Street.
- Title: Britain pledges £17m to repair Chernobyl after Russian strike
- Summary: The UK funds essential repairs to the nuclear site's shelter and ventilation systems damaged in a drone attack, as Andy Burnham hosts Volodymyr Zelensky at…
- Keywords: chernobyl, ukraine, russia, uk government, andy burnham, volodymyr zelensky, nuclear safety, drone strike, politics, news, Britain, pledges
- Source: The Independent — https://independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/chernobyl-power-plant-repairs-uk-support-burnham-russia-drone-strike-b3067038.html
- Published: 2026-10-14T23:01:53+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: chernobyl, ukraine, russia, uk government, andy burnham, volodymyr zelensky, nuclear safety, drone strike, politics, news
## UK funds Chernobyl repairs
Britain will contribute seventeen million pounds towards restoring the Chernobyl nuclear site's protective shelter and ventilation systems damaged in a Russian drone strike last year.
## Why the repairs matter
Corrosion from the damage could pose long-term safety and environmental hazards at the site. The funding forms part of a broader international effort coordinated by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
## Zelensky visits Downing Street
Prime Minister Andy Burnham hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at Downing Street on Wednesday, assuring him that Britain was behind Ukraine and that commitment would not change.

> behind you and that will not change
## UK responds to Trump's Russia deal
The visit came after Donald Trump relaxed sanctions on Russian diesel. Burnham said he was being careful with his words and laying the ground for reconciliation with the US president.

> laying the ground
## Britain accelerates missile deliveries
Burnham confirmed the UK would speed up deliveries of British lightweight multi-role missiles to Ukraine amid heavy bombardment from Russian forces. These missiles have proved effective against Russian jet-powered drones.
## UK pledges continued support
Chancellor John Healey stated the Government's devotion to the Ukrainian people was unshakeable. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband declared Britain will stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine until they prevail.

> stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine and will do so until they prevail
## Key takeaway

Britain is contributing seventeen million pounds to repair Chernobyl's protective shelter and ventilation systems damaged by a Russian drone strike, as part of a broader international effort coordinated by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.