The Russian military entered the Red Forest without any precautions, the most polluted area of Chernobyl

The Russian military forces that controlled the Chernobyl nuclear power plant region for more than a month barely precautions entered the most polluted areas and brought radioactive particles to the buildings used for their accommodation without taking the necessary decontamination measures.

Studies carried out by the Ukrainian authorities after recovering the area have revealed that the military had been in the sector known as the Red Forest, the area most polluted as a result of the 1986 nuclear accident, and then returned without proper cleaning of the areas where they were installed carrying with it highly contaminated dust.

As a result, radiation levels have been detected in these facilities that are slightly higher than what is considered natural, according to CNN, which has already been able to visit the site.

“They went to the Red Forest and brought radioactive material in their shoes. Other parts are fine, but radiation has increased here because this is where they lived,” Ukrainian soldier Igor Ugolkov explained in statements to CNN. “They went everywhere and took radioactive dust” when they left, Ugolkov added.

Radiation levels are slightly above those considered natural by the World Nuclear Association. A specific exposure is not dangerous, but staying in place would pose a health hazard.

The Ukrainian authorities have denounced Russia's lax and reckless management of Chernobyl with full awareness, as Russian radioactivity meters have been found that have recorded levels up to 50 times higher than the values considered normal.

“It's really crazy. I have no idea why they went” to the Red Forest, “but it is clear that they were there and came back and that radiation levels have increased,” said Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko.

One of the nuclear power plant's reactors exploded in 1986 and a sarcophagus was built on it to contain radiation and maintenance is still needed to prevent further radioactive leaks. “The system needs power supply and a ventilation system,” said Galushchenko.

The staff of the plant continued to work under Russian command. “They were here since the first day of the occupation and could only be relieved a month later,” said Galushchenko. “When people are physically and morally exhausted, when they are threatened with weapons and soldiers threaten you every day, it's a really difficult job,” he added.

One of the Chernobyl workers, Volodymir Falshovnik, has also denounced the looting perpetrated by the Russians. “We were given personnel from Rosatom (the Russian nuclear agency) who visited the warehouses. They stole from them,” he assured.

During the period of Russian control, the 169 members of the Ukrainian National Guard guarding Chernobyl were locked in the Soviet-era nuclear bunker without natural light, ventilation or communication with the outside world, according to the Ukrainian Interior Ministry.

“They went 30 days without natural light or enough food. They were not allowed to leave and on the last day they were taken away without us knowing where,” said a spokesman for the Interior, Denis Monastirski. They are probably in Russia where they arrived through Belarusian territory as prisoners of war.

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