Donors gather in Paris as Chernobyl repair costs double to 500 million euros

International delegates met in Paris on Monday for a donor conference to raise funds for repairing the Chernobyl nuclear plant's protective arch following a recent Russian drone strike. While initial estimates sought $250 million to address structural damage on the reactor destroyed in the 1986 disaster, reports indicate the comprehensive restoration project may ultimately cost up to 500 million euros.

Hosted under France's G7 presidency in partnership with the Ukrainian government and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the summit aims to secure immediate international financing for urgent stabilization work. The conference proceeds alongside ongoing diplomatic talks in Abu Dhabi regarding potential prisoner swaps.

Sources: Le Figaro, Le Monde, Le Soir, Libération, Politico Europe.