Russian forces have allegedly taken the Chernobyl nuclear facility.
On Thursday, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Videos have hit social media showing Russian tanks, helicopters, and jets invading the country.
The Russian invaders specifically targeted the Chernobyl plant, which was the site of a nuclear meltdown in 1986 which resulted in the evacuation of 50,000 people.
Ukrainian officials do not know the current status of the plant, or if it is safe.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy tweeted: “Russia has embarked on a path of evil, but Ukraine is defending itself and won’t give up its freedom.”
Russian forces have seized Chernobyl nuclear plant, airport near Kyiv https://t.co/Xmxzb9dhSE pic.twitter.com/Sbcbf2UwIx
— New York Post (@nypost) February 24, 2022
The New York Post with this breaking news:
Russian forces took control of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant on Thursday after brief but fierce fighting with Ukrainian troops, officials have revealed.
Myhailo Podolyak, a presidential adviser, revealed to the Associated Press that Ukrainian officials do not know the current condition of the power plant or if it remains safe.
“After the absolutely senseless attack of the Russians in this direction, it is impossible to say that the Chernobyl nuclear power plant is safe,” he said.
BREAKING: Russian forces capture Chernobyl power plant – REU
— BNO News (@BNONews) February 24, 2022
WATCH: Russian forces have seized control of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant pic.twitter.com/ODrqRVCZLR
— BNO News (@BNONews) February 24, 2022
Russian forces seized the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in northern Ukraine and have taken personnel in the station captive, spokeswoman for the State Agency of Ukraine on Exclusion Zone Management Yevgeniya Kuznetsovа told CNN https://t.co/BWaL4VVXhM pic.twitter.com/b8RDkro0rv
— CNN International (@cnni) February 24, 2022
Russian forces captured the Chernobyl power plant north of Kyiv, the site of the 1986 nuclear disaster, “after a fierce battle,” an adviser to the Ukrainian president’s office said. He said the condition of its nuclear waste storage facilities was unknown. https://t.co/1OjZWzH1pF
— The New York Times (@nytimes) February 24, 2022
BREAKING: Ukraine says it has lost control of the Chernobyl nuclear site after a fierce battle with Russian troops. Chernobyl was the site of the world's worst nuclear disaster in 1986. https://t.co/wYfZfjyNKS
— The Associated Press (@AP) February 24, 2022
Here’s more from the Associated Press:
Ukrainian officials said their forces were battling Russians on a multiple fronts, and had lost control of the decommissioned Chernobyl nuclear power plant, scene of the world’s worst nuclear disaster.
“Russia has embarked on a path of evil, but Ukraine is defending itself and won’t give up its freedom,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy tweeted.
Later, he offered Russia an end to the hostilities.
“It wasn’t Ukraine that chose the path of war, but Ukraine is offering to go back to the path of peace,” he said.
In Washington, U.S. President Joe Biden announced a new round of sanctions targeting Russia, charging that Putin “chose this war” and that his country would bear the consequences of his action. He said the sanctions target Russian banks, oligarchs, and high-tech sectors.
Ugh. Awful development. "After a fierce battle, Ukrainian control over the Chernobyl site was lost. The condition of the former Chernobyl nuclear power plant, confinement, and nuclear waste storage facilities is unknown," said Mykhailo Podoliak, adviser to head of Chernobyl plant
— Christopher Miller (@ChristopherJM) February 24, 2022
Chernobyl nuclear plant and Hostomel military airfield near Kyiv are under control of Russian occupiers. The situation is deteriorating rapidly
— Olga Tokariuk (@olgatokariuk) February 24, 2022
After the heavy fights in the Chernobyl zone, Russian troops had seized control over Chernobyl nuclear power plant. The personnel is taken hostage. pic.twitter.com/WpXWUDZ8Uh
— Franak Viačorka (@franakviacorka) February 24, 2022
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