Ukrainians Say They Fear Russians Might Attack Chernobyl Once Again
- By Yan Boechat
Site of the biggest nuclear accident in history, Chernobyl has become over the years one of the biggest tourist attractions in Ukraine. Despite still harboring high radiation levels, Chernobyl was one of Russia's first military targets in its invasion of Ukraine almost a year ago. The Russians took control of the plant, the villas, and the small town that lent its name to the region for nearly two months. Now Chernobyl is back under Ukrainian control, but fears of another invasion remain.
5
A sign showing that the levels of radiation might be high in this area marks the place where the Russians dug trenches and stablished a checkpoint in an area called the “red forest” in Chernobyl, Ukraine, on Jan. 31, 2023 (VOANEWS/Yan Boechat)
6
The amusement park in the village of Prypiat was set to start operation on May 1, just four days after the explosion at the Chernobyl Nuclear plant, in Ukraine, Jan. 31, 2023 (VOANEWS/Yan Boechat)
7
A deep dive pool inside one of the buildings in Prypiat that was abandoned after the explosion in 1986. All this area was occupied by Russian soldiers when they invaded Ukraine almost a year ago. In Chernobyl, Ukraine, Jan. 31, 2023 (VOANEWS/Yan Boechat)
8
A basketball court inside one of the buildings abandoned in Prypiat. Russian soldiers took over the place after invading Ukraine and stayed for almost two months there. In Chernobyl, in Ukraine, Jan. 31, 2023 (VOANEWS/Yan Boechat)
