KIEV — The Ukrainian president's office said enough donation pledges have been received to begin construction of a new shelter over the site of the world's worst nuclear disaster.
Foreign Minister Kostyantyn Hryshchenko told President Viktor Yanukovych on Tuesday that work on the 740 million euro ($1.04 billion) project at the Chernobyl nuclear plant could begin this year and should be completed in 2015.
Anton Usov, a spokesman for the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, which manages the project, said international donors have so far pledged 670 million euros ($940 million). He said the remainder should be raised as the project progresses.
Ukraine this year marked the 25th anniversary of the disaster.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
