Russian soldiers kick up radioactive dust in Chernobyl as 'dirty bomb ingredients go missing'

Russian soldiers drove through a highly toxic zone without radiation protection when they seized the site of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in late February.

That’s according to two Ukrainian workers on duty there at the time, who said they saw the Russians’ armoured vehicles kick up clouds of radioactive dust as they drove through the so-called “Red Forest”.

It’s the most radioactively contaminated area around Chernobyl and got its name when miles of pine trees turned red after absorbing radiation from the 1986 explosion.

A nuclear safety expert has warned that a monitoring lab in Chernobyl village has been raided, with thieves looting radioactive ingredients which could be mixed with explosives to create a 'dirty bomb' amid chaos brought about by Russia's invasion.

Anatolii Nosovskyi, director of director of the Institute for Safety Problems of Nuclear Power Plants (ISPNPP) in Kyiv, said he has lost contact with the lab so the 'fate of these sources is unknown to us'.

He told Science that if such a bomb were to be made, created with the radioactive isotopes and radioactive waste pieces said to be taken, a wide area risks being contaminated.

In an interview with Reuters on Monday, Balthasar Lindauer, the nuclear safety department head at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, called the Russian troops “reckless”.

"We have seen in the first few days, a spike in radiation that is very likely due to the transport of very heavy military equipment. So that gives you an indication that these troops do not know what they are doing and behaving recklessly."

Lindauer said it was “lucky” they’ve done no further damage so far.

“But if the behaviour of the troops continues as they have shown in the past, of course there is a huge danger for severe accidents that could affect the region and it would be a disaster.”

One of the Chernobyl workers told Reuters, some of the soldiers now stationed there said they had never heard of the 1986 nuclear disaster.

And one called the Russian soldiers’ “Red Forest” drive “suicidal”, as inhaling the radioactive dust would likely cause internal radiation.

Reuters could not independently verify their accounts, and Russia's defense ministry did not respond to requests for comment.

The Russian military said after capturing the plant that radiation was within normal levels and their actions prevented possible "nuclear provocations" by Ukrainian nationalists.

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[joshua]

Even if you didn’t know what happened there, I think at first glance that a reasonable person would realize that something isn’t right.

[danielwhyatt]

The idea really that some of these chaps might not have ever even HEARD about the Chernobyl disaster in the first place is one of the most unbelievable and horrific things I've ever heard. I mean, HOW IS THAT EVEN POSSIBLE!? Bloody hell, I hope that if some of them are willing to listen the ones at the sight can be well educated as to what the hell happened and shown just how dangerous a position they put themselves and ALL OF US in.

[lostinpa-dadenduro]

They also dug trenches exposing previously buried waste and set the forest on fire. Geniuses.

[zoso]

These Russian soldiers clearly didn't watch the HBO mini-series "CHERNOBYL" before the "special military operation".

[bev]

It’s amazing that despite the harsh environment the plants and trees have survived well.

[viceman]

"Never fight with Russian. On your every stratagem they answer with unpredictable stupidity." Otto Von Bismarck

[jeffmcdonald]

Of all the dumb moves Russia has done, this may be considered top level stupid! The first rule of entering a potential combat zone is know the terrain. Of course you also aren't supposed to outrun your supply lines, but they did that too.

[snakedike]

Damn, the whole world knows of Chernobyl. I get some kids don't know but wouldn't someone in the leadership chain have taken some precautions when they decided to invade it?

[Kuwandi]

These brave soldiers need to have a extended dinner with Putin, he should WELLCOME them with CLOSE HUGS if he really stands by these boys ..

[shootera]

3.6 roentgen, not great, not terrible....

Some of the soldiers certainly knew about radiation and Chernobyl. They were actually ordered to dig in, and this precipitated a near riot among soldiers. They have now left the area, and returned to Belarus, and some are suffering radiation sickness.

[davidmoyes]

Did anyone else think the title said Russian troops pick up radioactive dust in Chernobyl, like they were gonna try and use it on the Ukrainians.

[freedomisntfree_]

Wow, as an American I know all about this but I’ve always been fascinated by nuclear power. It’s crazy someone so close would have no idea about this, if it were me I’d told them send me anywhere but there. I have a feeling they sent the “young and dumb” there though

[Ian_Christensen]

Stalin statics... Sacrifice a couple of million soldiers to use up all the enemy's resurses and withdraw and claim victory. Great job Vladolf Putler

[UKARCADES]

50, 000 People Used to Live Here. Now It's a Ghost Town

[arielsaeth]

I think Ukraine should give just Chernobyl back to the Russians, but imagine sending your 19 year old troops to defend the place and not telling them what happened there in 1986, wow how idiotic and sadistic, Victory to Ukraine

[Sgt_Bill_T_Co]

Breath it in and take it back to Russia...

[artistanthony]

Radioactive Dust is like a demon in disguise of an angel, it looks pretty and inconspicuous but it is horrible.

[virus]

I hope their all making radio active sand 👼and fun memories while they can ✌😂

[Glitch_in_the_Matrix]

Goddamn we were so close to getting STALKER 2: GHOSTS OF CHERNOBYL

[ClubXXXPoison]

These Russians should have glowing complexions from their Special Military Holiday in Chernobyl.