Ukraine "Takes Control of Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant"

A Russian soldier is on guard duty in front of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Pripyat, northern Ukraine, on the 7th (local time). [Image source=Yonhap News]

Ukraine has reportedly regained control of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant from Russian forces.

According to AP News and others, Energoatom, Ukraine's state-owned nuclear power operator, revealed on social media on the 1st (local time) the "Agreement on the Protection and Transfer of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant," signed by representatives of the Russian National Guard and Rosatom, Russia's state nuclear corporation.

The agreement states that "the facility management entity (Energoatom) makes no demands related to the Russian National Guard."

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) also announced on the same day that Ukraine had notified it of the transfer of control of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant from Russian forces.

The Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant was the site of the worst nuclear accident in history in April 1986.

Energoatom officially raised concerns about the possible radiation exposure of some Russian soldiers in a statement issued that day.

Energoatom reported, "Information has been confirmed regarding trenches and fortifications constructed by Russian forces in the 'Red Forest,' the most contaminated area within the exclusion zone."

The Red Forest is an area where pine trees exposed to radiation after the Chernobyl nuclear accident turned red and died. Energoatom claimed, "The invaders showing symptoms of radiation exposure fell into confusion, which nearly led to a mutiny among Russian troops."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.