In 2025, Ukraine will allocate UAH 2.66 billion for the management of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, a 15% increase compared to 2024, when expenditures totaled UAH 2.31 billion.

This is evidenced by data from the analytical center DIXI Group, as reported by Dengi.ua.

Budget execution in hryvnia terms reached 95% (up from 92% the previous year). However, due to currency fluctuations, growth in dollar terms was more moderate—an 11% increase to approximately $63.8 million.

Chernobyl NPP Maintenance: Allocation of the UAH 2.66 Billion Budget

Public expenditures in the Exclusion Zone for 2025 are divided into four key categories:

  • Safety of power units, sarcophagus and decommissioning: UAH 1.52 billion (57.1%). This represents the largest expenditure, encompassing critical efforts to maintain nuclear and radiation safety at the facility.
  • Radioactive waste management (including the Vector complex): UAH 0.53 billion (20.1%). This sector remained underfunded, with planned work reaching only 80% completion.
  • Environmental safety of the exclusion zone: UAH 0.52 billion (19.7%). Funding for this area increased significantly compared to the previous period.
  • Heritage management, protection and conservation: UAH 0.09 billion (3.1%). These funds were allocated to radiological protection and the preservation of the region's ethno-cultural heritage.

Rising Costs and 2026 Projections​​​​​​​

Amid the ongoing war, the financial burden of maintaining safety at the Chernobyl NPP continues to grow. This situation was severely aggravated by the February 2025 Russian drone strike that damaged the facility’s protective sarcophagus. According to preliminary estimates provided by Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, the cost of reconstruction could reach approximately €500 million.

The dynamics of state funding for the Exclusion Zone have shown a steady upward trend over the past few years:​​​​​​​

  • 2023: UAH 2.11 billion
  • 2024: UAH 2.31 billion
  • 2025: UAH 2.66 billion

Accounting for new security challenges and the urgent need to repair damaged infrastructure, the spending plan for 2026 is projected to exceed UAH 3 billion.