Last night, Russia launched what appears to be a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The Russian military also attempted to take over the Chernobyl exclusion zone.

Chernobyl is only 60 miles north of the Ukrainian capital of Kiev contains a critical path for Russian forces to enter the Ukrainian capital.

Russian forces have allegedly taken hostages at Chernobyl after successfully taking over the site.

We are outraged by credible reports that Russian soldiers are currently holding the staff of the Chernobyl facilities hostage,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said.

“This unlawful and dangerous hostage-taking, which could upend the routine civil service efforts required to maintain and protect the nuclear waste facilities, is obviously incredibly alarming and deeply concerning. We condemn it and request their release,” she said.

Now, it has been reported that a Russian artillery shell hit a radioactive waste depository which has caused an increase in radioactivity.

AP News Reports–

 

 

 

“An official familiar with current assessments said Russian shelling hit a radioactive waste repository at Chernobyl, and an increase in radiation levels was reported. The increase could not be immediately corroborated.

A senior American intelligence official said the U.S. believes Russian forces at Chernobyl were aiming to push to Kyiv, about 130 kilometers (80 miles) south of the plant, to try to link with other Russian forces throughout Ukraine. The officials were not authorized to be publicly named discussing the sensitive matter.”

 

The Ukrainian Interior Ministry said that an attack on the waste repository could send radioactive dust over Ukraine, Belarus, and significant parts of Europe.

Russian officials have provided no comment on their attack on Chernobyl.

“The International Atomic Energy Agency said it is following the situation in Ukraine “with grave concern” and appealed for maximum restraint to avoid any action that may put Ukraine’s nuclear facilities at risk.” According to AP.