Ukraine asks Japan to help restore Chornobyl's damaged New Safe Confinement

October 1, 2026 at 06:46 PM2 min

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Ukraine's First Deputy Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal asked Japanese representatives to help restore the New Safe Confinement at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, damaged by a Russian drone. The request came during a meeting with Japanese parliamentarians and diplomats in Kyiv. The two sides also discussed using Japanese technology to strengthen Ukraine's energy system.

Key Facts

Ukraine's First Deputy Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal requested Japan's support to restore the New Safe Confinement at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant.
The New Safe Confinement was damaged by a Russian drone.
Shmyhal met with Japanese House of Representatives members Itsunori Onodera, Keitaro Ono, and Yoshiaki Wada, Ambassador Osumi Yo, and diplomat Kuninori Matsuda.
The parties discussed possible involvement of Japanese companies in Ukrainian projects to strengthen the energy system.
A nuclear facility and a school were hit by Russian forces amid mounting air strikes on Kyiv.

Restoration Request

Ukraine is counting on Japan's support to restore the New Safe Confinement at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, which was damaged by a Russian drone. Denys Shmyhal, Ukraine's First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, made the request at a meeting with Japanese representatives, according to Ukraine's Ministry of Energy. The meeting included members of Japan's House of Representatives Itsunori Onodera, Keitaro Ono, and Yoshiaki Wada, Japan's Ambassador to Ukraine Osumi Yo, and diplomat Kuninori Matsuda.

Energy Cooperation

The parties discussed possible involvement by Japanese companies in Ukrainian projects, including the use of Japan's technologies and expertise to strengthen the protection and resilience of Ukraine's energy system. The discussions extended beyond one damaged nuclear structure, as officials explored ways to apply Japanese expertise across Ukraine's vulnerable energy system. As winter approaches, an adviser to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia is targeting critical transmission lines, which Kyiv says is designed to cut power and heating.

Russian Strikes

A nuclear facility and a school were hit by Russian forces amid mounting air strikes on Ukraine's capital. The nuclear reactor at the site in Kyiv is reportedly not damaged and had been shut down since 2022. A rescuer helped students evacuate from a shelter of a damaged school hit by a Russian jet-drone strike.