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Russia captures Chernobyl nuclear plant, aims to seize Ukraine capital Kyiv 'by weekend'

'All the nuclear waste at Chernobyl is under Russian control right now. The risk of ecological disaster is real'

As Russia declared their first day of Ukraine invasion "a success", Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky mourned the death of 137 'heroes' who lost their lives on the very first day of war. "They're killing people and turning peaceful cities into military targets. It's foul and will never be forgiven," he noted, slamming the 'Western cowards' for abandoning them at the time of need. "We have been left alone to defend our state. Who is ready to fight alongside us? I don't see anyone," Zelensky said. 

Meanwhile, Russian troops captured the ghost town of Chernobyl, which is still reeling from dangerous radiation levels, as an aftermath of the nuclear plant disaster of 1986. Citizens are now concerned about anomalous jumps in radiation levels in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, located just 93 km from Chernobyl. Many are fearing that Russian forces might procure and use the toxic radioactive waste from Chernobyl as a weapon in warfare. Russia has already estimated that they will seize control of Kyiv "by the weekend". 

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The fall of Chernobyl power plant to Russian forces was confirmed by Ukrainian Presidential advisor Mykhailo Podolyak, who noted, "It is impossible to say the Chernobyl nuclear power plant is safe after a totally pointless attack by the Russians. This is one of the most serious threats in Europe today."

Putin's army managed to take control of Chernobyl during a multi-pronged attack on Ukrainian forces via land, sea and air. In fact, some of the troops were also massed in the "exclusion zone" of the radioactive town, as Russia's intentions remain unclear. Podolyak remarked that Chernobyl might be used by Russia as a weapon to thwart NATO's intervention in Ukraine and other European countries. 

Shortly before the seize of Chernobyl, President Volodymyr Zelensky tweeted, "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."

Kyiv journalist Olga Togariuk reported, "Chernobyl nuclear plant and Hostomel military airfield near Kyiv are under control of Russian occupiers. The situation is deteriorating rapidly."

Another user noted, "#BREAKING: Official tells AP that Russian shelling hit a radioactive waste repository at Chernobyl, and an increase in radiation levels have been reported."

People across the world expressed their fear and shock at the Russian capture of Chernobyl, as one user tweeted, "All the nuclear waste at Chernobyl is under Russian control right now. The risk of ecological disaster is real. Not an HBO miniseries."

Another appealed, "I can't stand on the side of war. We don't want all wars, and wars don't look like citizens. Do nothing to the Chernobyl nuclear power plant to protect the children of the future."

"Putin has taken over Chernobyl. Why? Because even though it’s highly radioactive and most soldiers will be contaminated, it’s a safe place to stockpile weapons, munitions and garrison troops. No one would attack the facility for fear of creating a far worse environmental disaster," theorized one user, while a fourth one tweeted, "Not a lot of coverage about the invasion in Chernobyl. If the containment structure is damaged, it would be even a worse day for Europe and the world."