Russia takes control of Chernobyl nuclear plant in Ukraine [Video]

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• Russian forces have reportedly taken control of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine on Thursday.
• In 1986, a nuclear reactor exploded at the Chernobyl power plant, spreading radioactive contamination across Europe.
• Ukrainian President Zelensky tweeted, “This is a declaration of war against the whole of Europe.”

Russian forces have seized control of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine, Mykhailo Podoliak, adviser to the Ukrainian presidential office said Thursday.

“It is impossible to say the Chernobyl nuclear power plant is safe after a totally pointless attack by the Russians,” Podoliak said. “This is one of the most serious threats in Europe today.”

Shortly before the nuclear power plant was captured, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine warned about the possibility.

“Our defenders are giving their lives so that the tragedy of 1986 will not be repeated. … This is a declaration of war against the whole of Europe,” Zelensky wrote in a tweet.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine also tweeted that a Russian attack on Ukraine “may cause another ecological disaster.”

“In 1986, the world saw the biggest technological disaster in Chernobyl. … If Russia continues the war, Chernobyl can happen again in 2022,” the tweet read.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said the U.S. is “outraged by credible reports that Russian soldiers are currently holding the staff of the Chernobyl facilities hostage.

Psaki said hostage-taking could disrupt the “civil service efforts required to maintain and protect the nuclear waste facilities.” She also said that reports are “incredibly alarming and greatly concerning,” adding “we condemn it and we request their release.”

In 1986, a nuclear reactor exploded at the Chernobyl power plant, spreading radioactive contamination across Europe. It was dubbed the world’s worst nuclear accident.

The Chernobyl plant is 80 miles away from Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine.

Axios’ Andrew Freedman said, “The reports of fighting at Chernobyl are concerning since the lands surrounding the power plant have high levels of radiation, and are known as the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone.”

Per Axios, gunfire, artillery shells, missiles, hitting the plant could release radioactivity and threaten citizens of nearby European countries. However, Russian forces are likely aware of the dangers, and their goal may be to secure the area in order to move troops more directly to Kyiv.

Source: Axios