The entombed Chernobyl plant on the horizon behind the abandoned town of Pripyat. Reuters
The entombed Chernobyl plant on the horizon behind the abandoned town of Pripyat. Reuters
The entombed Chernobyl plant on the horizon behind the abandoned town of Pripyat. Reuters
The entombed Chernobyl plant on the horizon behind the abandoned town of Pripyat. Reuters

World

Europe

Russia takes Chernobyl: nuclear safety fears in Ukraine after 'radiation increase'

High gamma levels recorded after troops seize site of 1986 nuclear disaster

Tim Stickings
Tim Stickings

February 25, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

Live updates: follow the latest news on Russia-Ukraine

Ukraine said on Friday that radiation levels had increased in the Chernobyl exclusion zone after Russia seized the site of the world’s worst nuclear disaster.

It added to concern about nuclear safety in Ukraine after the International Atomic Energy Agency urged troops to show “maximum restraint” around the country’s four operative reactors as well as at Chernobyl.

At the heart of the Chernobyl exclusion zone lie the remains of the reactor that exploded in 1986, unleashing a cloud of radioactive waste into Europe’s skies. Although they are entombed in concrete and steel, radiation levels are still high at the plant and a 30-kilometre radius around it is largely uninhabited.

Read more

Five things to know about the Russia-Ukraine crisis today

Inside that zone, Ukraine’s nuclear regulatory agency and its delegation to the UN in Geneva said on Friday that gamma radiation was above control levels at a “significant number of observation points”.

That claim was supported by a monitoring group in Ukraine, Save Dnipro, whose online radiation map showed gamma ray levels on Friday far exceeding those in the days before Russia’s invasion.

Gamma radiation comes from decaying radioactive material and exposure to it can increase the risk of cancer. The nuclear agency suggested that the disturbance of soil by Russian troops might be to blame for the increase, although officials said it was difficult to investigate the causes because Ukraine had lost control of the area.

A British intelligence assessment backed up Ukraine’s claim that Russian troops had occupied the area on Thursday, in a move analysts said could be explained by Chernobyl’s geographic position between Kiev and the Russian border.

The White House separately condemned reports of hostages being taken at the plant and described Russia’s behaviour at Chernobyl as “incredibly alarming and greatly concerning”.

Russia’s Defence Ministry had earlier on Friday described radiation levels at the plant as normal and said its paratroopers would help to protect the site.

Nuclear experts said any release of the buried radioactive material at Chernobyl would probably require a concerted effort and said the risk might be just as high at currently operating reactors.

IAEA director general Rafael Mariano Grossi said the agency was gravely concerned by developments in Ukraine.

He said it was “appealing for maximum restraint to avoid any action that may put the country’s nuclear facilities at risk”. Ukrainian officials had offered assurances that the four operative plants were running smoothly, he said.

Ukraine disconnected its electricity grid from Russia’s on Thursday, in a move which the European Union said had been planned but had to be implemented earlier than expected.

A Ukrainian soldier walks past the shell of a burnt military vehicle, on a street in Kiev. AP
A Ukrainian soldier walks past the shell of a burnt military vehicle, on a street in Kiev. AP
A screengrab from CCTV footage shows a missile hitting a residential building in Kiev. Reuters
A screengrab from CCTV footage shows a missile hitting a residential building in Kiev. Reuters
A man inspects a broken window, after shelling carried out by Russian troops in the Ukrainian capital. Reuters
A man inspects a broken window, after shelling carried out by Russian troops in the Ukrainian capital. Reuters
Ukrainian soldiers take positions outside a military centre as two cars burn on a street in Kiev. AP
Ukrainian soldiers take positions outside a military centre as two cars burn on a street in Kiev. AP
Medical specialists transport a woman, who was wounded in the shelling of an apartment building, to an ambulance, as her husband looks on. Reuters
Medical specialists transport a woman, who was wounded in the shelling of an apartment building, to an ambulance, as her husband looks on. Reuters
A woman outside her apartment building after it was damaged by a rocket, in Kiev. AP
A woman outside her apartment building after it was damaged by a rocket, in Kiev. AP
A Ukrainian police officer detains a driver on a street in Kiev. AP
A Ukrainian police officer detains a driver on a street in Kiev. AP
A soldier's helmet with a bullet hole on a street in the Ukrainian capital. AP
A soldier's helmet with a bullet hole on a street in the Ukrainian capital. AP
Ukrainian soldiers walk by a damaged vehicle, at the site of fighting with Russian troops, in Kiev. Reuters
Ukrainian soldiers walk by a damaged vehicle, at the site of fighting with Russian troops, in Kiev. Reuters
Ukrainian policemen move parrots to safety after a high-rise apartment block was damaged by shelling in Kiev. EPA
Ukrainian policemen move parrots to safety after a high-rise apartment block was damaged by shelling in Kiev. EPA
A screengrab from a video shows rescue workers carrying a person at the site of a damaged multi-storey residential building, south-west of the Ukrainian capital. Reuters
A screengrab from a video shows rescue workers carrying a person at the site of a damaged multi-storey residential building, south-west of the Ukrainian capital. Reuters
A building damaged by shelling carried out by Russian troops in Kiev. EPA
A building damaged by shelling carried out by Russian troops in Kiev. EPA
Helga Tarasova comforts her daughter Kira Shapovalova as they wait in an underground shelter during a bombing alert in Kiev. AFP
Helga Tarasova comforts her daughter Kira Shapovalova as they wait in an underground shelter during a bombing alert in Kiev. AFP
A man walks past a building damaged by a rocket attack in the Ukrainian capital. AP
A man walks past a building damaged by a rocket attack in the Ukrainian capital. AP
Emergency services workers near an apartment building damaged by shelling in Kiev. Reuters
Emergency services workers near an apartment building damaged by shelling in Kiev. Reuters
Ukrainian soldiers collect unexploded shells in the capital. AFP
Ukrainian soldiers collect unexploded shells in the capital. AFP
An apartment building damaged by shelling in Kiev. Reuters
An apartment building damaged by shelling in Kiev. Reuters
Debris of a burnt military truck on a street in Kiev. AP
Debris of a burnt military truck on a street in Kiev. AP
Natali Sevriukova stands next to her home after a rocket attack in Kiev, Ukraine. AP
Natali Sevriukova stands next to her home after a rocket attack in Kiev, Ukraine. AP
People on foot and in cars move to cross from Ukraine to Poland at the Korczowa-Krakovets border crossing following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. AFP
People on foot and in cars move to cross from Ukraine to Poland at the Korczowa-Krakovets border crossing following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. AFP
Servicemen from the Ukrainian National Guard in central Kiev. Reuters
Servicemen from the Ukrainian National Guard in central Kiev. Reuters
Ukrainian soldiers in downtown Kiev after Russian troops reached the outskirts of the capital. AP Photo
Ukrainian soldiers in downtown Kiev after Russian troops reached the outskirts of the capital. AP Photo
Police officers detain demonstrators in St. Petersburg, Russia. Hundreds of people gathered in Moscow and St. Petersburg on Thursday, protesting against Russia's attack on Ukraine. Similar protests took place in other Russian cities, and activists were also arrested. AP Photo
Police officers detain demonstrators in St. Petersburg, Russia. Hundreds of people gathered in Moscow and St. Petersburg on Thursday, protesting against Russia's attack on Ukraine. Similar protests took place in other Russian cities, and activists were also arrested. AP Photo
Hungarian troops in Vasarosnameny, close to the border with Ukraine, prepare to help refugees. AP Photo
Hungarian troops in Vasarosnameny, close to the border with Ukraine, prepare to help refugees. AP Photo
Wrecked Russian army rocket launchers in Kharkiv, Ukraine. Reuters
Wrecked Russian army rocket launchers in Kharkiv, Ukraine. Reuters
The aftermath of a rocket attack in Kiev. AP Photo
The aftermath of a rocket attack in Kiev. AP Photo
A US Air Force jet refuels over Poland. Reuters
A US Air Force jet refuels over Poland. Reuters
Devastation after shelling in Ukraine's Luhansk enclave. Reuters
Devastation after shelling in Ukraine's Luhansk enclave. Reuters
The Royal Welsh Battlegroup from the UK makes its way to Estonia. Reuters
The Royal Welsh Battlegroup from the UK makes its way to Estonia. Reuters
Firefighters tackle a blaze in a building in Kiev. AFP
Firefighters tackle a blaze in a building in Kiev. AFP
The wreckage of an unidentified aircraft in a residential area in Kiev. Reuters
The wreckage of an unidentified aircraft in a residential area in Kiev. Reuters
Smoke rises near the Ukrainian Defence Ministry in Kiev. Reuters
Smoke rises near the Ukrainian Defence Ministry in Kiev. Reuters
Russian military helicopters fly over the Ukrainian capital. AP
Russian military helicopters fly over the Ukrainian capital. AP
An anxious wait to board a train to leave Kiev as the attack loomed. AP Photo
An anxious wait to board a train to leave Kiev as the attack loomed. AP Photo
Ukrainian servicemen on tanks in the Donetsk region, eastern Ukraine. AP Photo
Ukrainian servicemen on tanks in the Donetsk region, eastern Ukraine. AP Photo
Ukraine troops said this destroyed armoured vehicle outside Kharkiv belonged to the Russian army. Reuters
Ukraine troops said this destroyed armoured vehicle outside Kharkiv belonged to the Russian army. Reuters
Rescuers at the crash site after a Ukraine armed forces Antonov aircraft was shot down in Kiev, according to the Ukrainian authorities. Reuters
Rescuers at the crash site after a Ukraine armed forces Antonov aircraft was shot down in Kiev, according to the Ukrainian authorities. Reuters
Ukrainian tanks that aim to repel an attack by the Russian military in the Luhansk enclave of Ukraine. AFP
Ukrainian tanks that aim to repel an attack by the Russian military in the Luhansk enclave of Ukraine. AFP
A Ukrainian State Border Guard Service base is ablaze after heavy shelling near Kiev. Reuters
A Ukrainian State Border Guard Service base is ablaze after heavy shelling near Kiev. Reuters
Damaged radar at a Ukrainian military plant outside Mariupol. Officials in Kiev say Russian troops have rolled into the country from the north, east and south. AP Photo
Damaged radar at a Ukrainian military plant outside Mariupol. Officials in Kiev say Russian troops have rolled into the country from the north, east and south. AP Photo
Firefighters attend a blaze after bombing in the eastern Ukrainian town of Chuguiv, as Russian armed forces appeared to be bombarding Ukraine from several directions. AFP
Firefighters attend a blaze after bombing in the eastern Ukrainian town of Chuguiv, as Russian armed forces appeared to be bombarding Ukraine from several directions. AFP
A traffic jam in Kiev, with many Ukrainians leaving their capital after Russian troops entered. EPA
A traffic jam in Kiev, with many Ukrainians leaving their capital after Russian troops entered. EPA
The Border Service of Ukraine released CCTV footage purporting to show Russian military vehicles passing a checkpoint to drive into Crimea. AP
The Border Service of Ukraine released CCTV footage purporting to show Russian military vehicles passing a checkpoint to drive into Crimea. AP
A man picks up fragments of military materiel on the street after an apparent Russian strike in Kharkiv, Ukraine. AP
A man picks up fragments of military materiel on the street after an apparent Russian strike in Kharkiv, Ukraine. AP
Workers load the debris of a rocket on to a lorry in the aftermath of Russian shelling in Kiev. AP
Workers load the debris of a rocket on to a lorry in the aftermath of Russian shelling in Kiev. AP
Emergency staff treat an injured man after bombing in Chuguiv. AFP
Emergency staff treat an injured man after bombing in Chuguiv. AFP
An American woman in distress after crossing the border to flee the violence in Ukraine, in Medyka, Poland. Reuters
An American woman in distress after crossing the border to flee the violence in Ukraine, in Medyka, Poland. Reuters
People take shelter in a Kiev subway station, after Russian President Vladimir Putin authorised a military operation in eastern Ukraine. Reuters
People take shelter in a Kiev subway station, after Russian President Vladimir Putin authorised a military operation in eastern Ukraine. Reuters
People in a rush near Kiev-Pasazhyrskyi railway station in the Ukrainian capital. AFP
People in a rush near Kiev-Pasazhyrskyi railway station in the Ukrainian capital. AFP
A Flightradar24.com screengrab shows a dearth of civilian aircraft in Ukrainian airspace after the Russian invasion. AP
A Flightradar24.com screengrab shows a dearth of civilian aircraft in Ukrainian airspace after the Russian invasion. AP
The aftermath of bombing in Chuguiv. AFP
The aftermath of bombing in Chuguiv. AFP
A Ukrainian rocket launcher vehicle prepares for action. Reuters
A Ukrainian rocket launcher vehicle prepares for action. Reuters
Cars are driven across a field to leave the city of Kharkiv. Reuters
Cars are driven across a field to leave the city of Kharkiv. Reuters
People chant, carry placards and wave Ukrainian flags as they gather in Sydney, to demonstrate against Russian attacks on its neighbour. AP
People chant, carry placards and wave Ukrainian flags as they gather in Sydney, to demonstrate against Russian attacks on its neighbour. AP
People with many of their belongings packed take shelter in a Metro station in Kiev. AFP
People with many of their belongings packed take shelter in a Metro station in Kiev. AFP
Emergency services at the scene of an explosion at a military unit building in Kiev. EPA
Emergency services at the scene of an explosion at a military unit building in Kiev. EPA
A Kiev resident sweeps up debris after Russian shelling. AP
A Kiev resident sweeps up debris after Russian shelling. AP
The first 40 soldiers of the 173rd US Army Airborne Brigade step off a military plane in Latvia. EPA
The first 40 soldiers of the 173rd US Army Airborne Brigade step off a military plane in Latvia. EPA
More damage from shelling in Kiev. AP
More damage from shelling in Kiev. AP
People wait at a bus station to travel to western parts of Ukraine, after violence in the east. Reuters
People wait at a bus station to travel to western parts of Ukraine, after violence in the east. Reuters
A woman carries her cats in a quest for a safe haven. AFP
A woman carries her cats in a quest for a safe haven. AFP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy holds an urgent government meeting in Kiev to discuss the next step. AFP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy holds an urgent government meeting in Kiev to discuss the next step. AFP
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and foreign policy chief Josep Borrell give a joint statement in Brussels, updating the press about the situation in Ukraine. EPA
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and foreign policy chief Josep Borrell give a joint statement in Brussels, updating the press about the situation in Ukraine. EPA
People survey the damage after bombing in Chuguiv. AFP
People survey the damage after bombing in Chuguiv. AFP
A building on fire in Chuguiv. AFP
A building on fire in Chuguiv. AFP

On Chernobyl, Mr Grossi said it was “of vital importance that the safe and secure operations of the nuclear facilities in that zone should not be affected or disrupted in any way”.

Exposure to small amounts of radiation is not fatal, and tourists sometimes visit the exclusion zone and the abandoned town of Pripyat. Some of the radioactive elements released four decades ago have decayed into nothing, but the isotopes Strontium-90 and Caesium-137 still linger today.

The most dangerous material on the site is a “lump in the basement of the reactor building,” said retired nuclear scientist Cheryl Rofer, who said the danger from an explosion or attack at Chernobyl was small.

The 1986 accident was compounded by the failure of Soviet officials to come clean about what had happened. It emerged after high radiation levels were detected in Sweden.

Some people kept their children inside as far away as Western Europe. In Germany, the accident helped to spur the rise of an anti-nuclear movement that ultimately succeeded in getting atomic energy cut out of the power grid.

On Women's Day
UK%20-%20UAE%20Trade
%3Cp%3ETotal%20trade%20in%20goods%20and%20services%20(exports%20plus%20imports)%20between%20the%20UK%20and%20the%20UAE%20in%202022%20was%20%C2%A321.6%20billion%20(Dh98%20billion).%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EThis%20is%20an%20increase%20of%2063.0%20per%20cent%20or%20%C2%A38.3%20billion%20in%20current%20prices%20from%20the%20four%20quarters%20to%20the%20end%20of%202021.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EThe%20UAE%20was%20the%20UK%E2%80%99s%2019th%20largest%20trading%20partner%20in%20the%20four%20quarters%20to%20the%20end%20of%20Q4%202022%20accounting%20for%201.3%20per%20cent%20of%20total%20UK%20trade.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Scoreline

Liverpool 3
Mane (7'), Salah (69'), Firmino (90')

Bournemouth 0

Profile

Company: Libra Project

Based: Masdar City, ADGM, London and Delaware

Launch year: 2017

Size: A team of 12 with six employed full-time

Sector: Renewable energy

Funding: $500,000 in Series A funding from family and friends in 2018. A Series B round looking to raise $1.5m is now live.

RESULTS

2pm: Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (Dirt) 1,200m
Winner: Najem Al Rwasi, Fabrice Veron (jockey), Ahmed Al Shemaili (trainer)

2.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner: Fandim, Fernando Jara, Majed Al Jahouri

3pm: Maiden (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 1,700m
Winner: Harbh, Pat Cosgrave, Ahmed Al Mehairbi

3.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 1,700m
Winner: Wakeel W’Rsan, Richard Mullen, Jaci Wickham

4pm: Crown Prince of Sharjah Cup Prestige (PA) Dh200,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Jawaal, Fernando Jara, Majed Al Jahouri

4.30pm: Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Cup (TB) Dh200,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner: Tailor’s Row, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer

While you're here
if you go
Plastic tipping points
THE%20SPECS
%3Cp%3EBattery%3A%2060kW%20lithium-ion%20phosphate%3Cbr%3EPower%3A%20Up%20to%20201bhp%3Cbr%3E0%20to%20100kph%3A%207.3%20seconds%3Cbr%3ERange%3A%20418km%3Cbr%3EPrice%3A%20From%20Dh149%2C900%3Cbr%3EAvailable%3A%20Now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989

Director: Goran Hugo Olsson

Rating: 5/5

MATCH INFO

Europa League final

Who: Marseille v Atletico Madrid
Where: Parc OL, Lyon, France
When: Wednesday, 10.45pm kick off (UAE)
TV: BeIN Sports

How has net migration to UK changed?

The figure was broadly flat immediately before the Covid-19 pandemic, standing at 216,000 in the year to June 2018 and 224,000 in the year to June 2019.

It then dropped to an estimated 111,000 in the year to June 2020 when restrictions introduced during the pandemic limited travel and movement.

The total rose to 254,000 in the year to June 2021, followed by steep jumps to 634,000 in the year to June 2022 and 906,000 in the year to June 2023.

The latest available figure of 728,000 for the 12 months to June 2024 suggests levels are starting to decrease.

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League final:

Who: Real Madrid v Liverpool
Where: NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kiev, Ukraine
When: Saturday, May 26, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: Match on BeIN Sports

On Women's Day
Towering concerns
Global state-owned investor ranking by size

1.

United States

2.

China

3.

UAE

4.

Japan

5

Norway

6.

Canada

7.

Singapore

8.

Australia

9.

Saudi Arabia

10.

South Korea
UAE%20SQUAD
%3Cp%3E%0DJemma%20Eley%2C%20Maria%20Michailidou%2C%20Molly%20Fuller%2C%20Chloe%20Andrews%20(of%20Dubai%20College)%2C%20Eliza%20Petricola%2C%20Holly%20Guerin%2C%20Yasmin%20Craig%2C%20Caitlin%20Gowdy%20(Dubai%20English%20Speaking%20College)%2C%20Claire%20Janssen%2C%20Cristiana%20Morall%20(Jumeirah%20English%20Speaking%20School)%2C%20Tessa%20Mies%20(Jebel%20Ali%20School)%2C%20Mila%20Morgan%20(Cranleigh%20Abu%20Dhabi).%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo

The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
Price, base / as tested: Dh182,178
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Power: 350hp @ 7,400rpm
Torque: 374Nm @ 5,200rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
​​​​​​​Fuel consumption, combined: 10.5L / 100km

Killing of Qassem Suleimani
While you're here

Founders: Ines Mena, Claudia Ribas, Simona Agolini, Nourhan Hassan and Therese Hundt

Date started: January 2017, app launched November 2017

Based: Dubai, UAE

Sector: Private/Retail/Leisure

Number of Employees: 18 employees, including full-time and flexible workers

Funding stage and size: Seed round completed Q4 2019 - $1m raised

Funders: Oman Technology Fund, 500 Startups, Vision Ventures, Seedstars, Mindshift Capital, Delta Partners Ventures, with support from the OQAL Angel Investor Network and UAE Business Angels

Profile

Name: Carzaty

Founders: Marwan Chaar and Hassan Jaffar

Launched: 2017

Employees: 22

Based: Dubai and Muscat

Sector: Automobile retail

Funding to date: $5.5 million

While you're here

THE SPECS

Engine: 4.4-litre V8

Transmission: eight-speed automatic

Power: 523hp

Torque: 750Nm

Price: Dh469,000

Ferrari 12Cilindri specs

Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12

Power: 819hp

Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm

Price: From Dh1,700,000

Available: Now

Dust and sand storms compared

Sand storm

  • Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
  • Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
  • Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
  • Travel distance: Limited 
  • Source: Open desert areas with strong winds

Dust storm

  • Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
  • Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
  • Duration: Can linger for days
  • Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
  • Source: Can be carried from distant regions
The view from The National
You might also like
While you're here
The%20Killer
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%C2%A0%3C%2Fstrong%3EDavid%20Fincher%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%C2%A0%3C%2Fstrong%3EMichael%20Fassbender%2C%20Tilda%20Swinton%2C%20Charles%20Parnell%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills

Bookshops: A Reader's History by Jorge Carrión (translated from the Spanish by Peter Bush),
Biblioasis

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
While you're here
You might also like

Sting & Shaggy

44/876

(Interscope)

EMILY%20IN%20PARIS%3A%20SEASON%203
%3Cp%3ECreated%20by%3A%20Darren%20Star%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStarring%3A%20Lily%20Collins%2C%20Philippine%20Leroy-Beaulieu%2C%20Ashley%20Park%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%202.75%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Updated: February 25, 2022, 2:07 PM`
UkraineRussiaEuropeNuclear energy