On February 24th, after weeks of Russia increasing their military presence at the Ukraine border, Russia invaded. They took control of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, just 80 miles (130 km) from Kiev, the capital of Ukraine – a strategic spot for Russia to control due to its proximity to Kiev. Due to its history of a nuclear reactor explosion in 1986, Chernobyl’s soil is riddled with radioactivity, and Russian activity on the ground is releasing it. According to The Washington Post, on Friday February 25th, the Ukrainian government announced a spike in gamma radiation levels in Chernobyl. Continued war in this region will spread radioactive material. The environmental consequences will spill into human societies, leading to long term health effects and multiplying the war fallout. Ukraine, already experiencing violent attacks, is being hit with double repercussions because of activity in Chernobyl.
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine tweeted on Thursday, commenting on the Ukranian efforts to protect citizens from both crises. “Russian occupation forces are trying to seize the #Chornobyl_NPP,” he wrote. “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’s tweet highlights how the effects of this war are amplified because of environmental intertwinement – the dangers of radiation added to a war zone. Ukrainian troops are fighting doubly hard to stop the Russians and prevent another nuclear explosion. Ukraine and allied countries are aware of the dual risk and are trying to end the war quickly. Unfortunately, there is no end in sight for this war, and there is certainly not a peaceful resolution on the horizon. Ukranians die from bombings and radiation continues to disperse in the air, setting the scene for long-term problems. This situation underscores the full extent of a war. It is never just “war” – there are ripples leading to additional consequences. In this case, one of the worst environmental nightmares is being dug up.
In 1986, a fire triggered a nuclear power plant reactor explosion in Chernobyl, marking it one of the most radioactive places in the world. Radioactive clouds bloomed over Europe, releasing radiation into the air and soil. As a result of radiation-riddled air, many people nearby developed thyroid cancers, radiation-associated cataracts, and other health issues. The UN reported almost 4,000 deaths as a result of being exposed, according to Al Jazeera.
Ukraine and European partners attempted to protect the world from the hot spot, still leaking radioactive material years later. According to ABC News, in 2017, a concrete and steel dome, a “sarcophagus”, was built, sheltering the reactor that exploded and preventing additional radiation from leaking. A formal “exclusion zone” was also created, surrounding the area and limited public access. Despite these steps, Chernobyl remains a risky place. It is expected to take until 2064 to fully dismantle reactors and discard radioactive waste, according to The Washington Post.
It is the radiation in the soil, buried for the past 40 years, that is causing current worry. Russian troops and military vehicles kick up radiation dust from the soil, spreading the dangerous particles into civilized areas. As the war continues and radiation is continually dug up, the risk rises.
In addition to Russian troops stirring the radiation-pot, there are other military-related concerns regarding the radiation in Chernobyl. The reactor’s shelters are not designed for a war zone; a military fire can burn wood and dried leaves, releasing stored radioactive material that will travel to cities through long-distance moving smoke. Experts are concerned about the future health of Ukrainians as a result of this war.
As of Friday February 25t, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was not worried about radiation danger – yet. They released a statement reassuring the current radiation levels are low, according to Euro News. However, the war treks on. Radiation levels will likely rise and Ukrainians will suffer. It is unfortunate that diplomatic efforts by the West did not work to prevent this war. Hopefully this will serve as a lesson for the world on how important it is to invest resources in impeding wars and avoiding environmental and health consequences like this one.
