Chernobyl: Nuclear safety regulators urge Russia to grant access

Russian forces have threatened safety at several nuclear power plants in Ukraine including Chernobyl, but the risk of a serious radiation release is thought to be low

By Matthew Sparkes

Three weeks into Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, concerns are growing about the safety of several nuclear sites across the country.

But the risk of a serious incident is thought to be low despite Russian troops having disrupted normal safety procedures. Simon Middleburgh at Bangor University in the UK says the circumstances are serious and Russia’s actions in regard to nuclear sites in Ukraine have been “completely reckless”, but that a significant radiation release is unlikely.

Ukraine is home to …