Ukraine recorded increased radiation levels from the defunct Chernobyl nuclear power plant one day after the site was taken by Russian forces. Officials say the increased readings were the result of military activity causing radioactive dust to rise into the air.
“Radiation starts to increase. It is not critical for Kyiv for the time being, but we are monitoring,” the interior ministry said.
The former power plant was captured by Russian forces following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Chernobyl is less than 10 miles from Ukraine’s border with Belarus, a Russian ally where Moscow has been massing troops in preparation for its attack. From there, it’s a relatively straight shot of about 80 miles south to Kyiv.
