In the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, the Russian army captured airfield near capital of Ukraine, Kyiv and took control of the Chernobyl nuclear plant.
Russia in fact attacked Ukraine, from three sides (Land, Sea, Air).
Why is Russia capturing Chernobyl?
The Russian army deliberately captured the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant as Chernobyl is the shortest route to reach Kyiv through Belarus. However, it is not significant from a military point of view but is the fastest route from Belarus to Kyiv, just 20 kms from Belarus border. This nuclear plant is located 108 km north of the capital Kyiv.
According to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the nuclear power plants are operating securely. There has been no destruction of the residual waste and other facilities at the site.
World’s deadliest nuclear accident occurred at the nuclear plant in April 1986. Then, a nuclear reactor exploded and spread radioactive radiation across Europe. This plant is located in Pripyat, which is at a distance of 130 from Kyiv. The reactor has now been covered with a protective device in order to prevent radiation leakage. Entire plant has been disabled. After the Chernobyl accident, 18 million Soviet rubles were required to be spent to free environment from nuclear radiation. After explosion, effect of radiation spread up to 2600 sq. km. According to scientists, no human can live in this place for the next 24 thousand years. It acts as a storage centre for nuclear waste.