The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is very concerned about the events at Chornobyl nuclear power plant and calls for the plant to be returned to safe operation.

"The EBRD, which has been managing over EUR2.5 billion in international funds to transform Chornobyl since 1995, believes that recent events are putting in jeopardy the achievements of decades of successful international collaboration to secure the site," the bank said.

"The bank's position on Chornobyl NPP is fully aligned with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and is based on the following safety and security considerations: uninterrupted power supply must be maintained for the Chornobyl facilities. Any loss of power is potentially a serious threat to their nuclear safety; since monitoring and control systems on site do not work, operators will not be aware of possible risks. They must stay in operation; the Chornobyl facilities have been operated by the same depleted shift of employees for more than two weeks. Normal shift rotation as well as supplies to operating staff must be ensured; any military action on site is extremely dangerous for the old spent fuel storage facility housing around 20000 RBMK fuel assemblies; inspections by the Ukrainian regulator and the IAEA must be allowed; beyond Chornobyl, there are 15 VVER-type units across Ukraine. They have a relatively weak containment and will not withstand a direct hit, which may result in irreversible consequences," it said.

"Transforming Chornobyl was a long-term challenge. Through the EBRD-managed funds the international community, together with Ukraine, has managed to transform Chornobyl into an environmentally safe and secure site. It has created the foundations to develop and implement a national nuclear safety strategy for the coming decades. The ongoing war must not be allowed to ruin these achievements," the report says.