Atomic Azodi, a nuclear expert, says the consequences of the Russian military attack on Ukraine’s still-active, advanced nuclear infrastructure could be far greater than the potential damage to the Chernobyl blocks.

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has ordered a special military operation in the Donetsk Basin in eastern Ukraine. The Russian army began to attack from all sides, and a panic developed in Ukraine. Our correspondents report the situation from the scene.

A concrete sarcophagus was built in 1986 on top of Reactor 4 at Chernobyl. The second sarcophagus was established in international cooperation, and became operational in 2019. This dual sarcophagus system provides adequate protection from environmental influences but is not reduced to military aggression. Chain response Atila Azodi said on her professional blog that she was forced to take responsibility for the physical safety of Russian troops as they took over facilities at Chernobyl.

“This could have been done to prevent symbolic attacks on the facility, but there could be other reasons for this. We do not know the inspiration today. ”

According to the expert, if the spent fuel storage facilities are attacked, it will cause radioactive release, but the main effect of this will remain in the closed area for almost 30 km, writes Atila Azodi. According to experts, the spent fuels have been in resting pools for decades, their temperatures are low and a significant portion of their radioactivity has already decomposed.

See also  "Occurrence is unprecedented in the last 1,000 years and is part of human activity."

What about nuclear power plants that are still operating?

According to the nuclear scientist, a small artillery attack will continue even if Chernobyl is not liberated from Unit 4. A large artillery attack may have caused a localized release, but a release of the same magnitude as the 1986 crash is unthinkable. Chernobyl Unit 4 has not been operational since 1986. Radioactivity under debris has been significantly reduced over the past 36 years due to radioactive decay, and the temperature inside the building is low, so large and distant can not be expected. Exhalation.

At the same time, the Russian occupation poses a risk because nuclear power plays an important role in Ukraine’s power supply: half of the production is provided by 15 nuclear power plant units operating at four sites in the country (Saporoshe, Rovno, Khmelnitsky, and southern Ukraine). The Ukrainian company that runs the nuclear power plants says they are still operating safely and are preparing to shut down units in the event of an attack on these facilities.

The reactors are housed in concrete hermetic container buildings, which provide some protection against possible attack or plane crash, but these civilian facilities are as obvious as other civilian facilities (residential buildings, institutions, bridges, chemical plants, etc.). ), Not military.

Atila Azodi Professional evaluation Emphasizes that the events surrounding the Ukrainian nuclear facilities certainly deserve more attention.



See also  French election: Macron appeals to the left at the last minute to counter Le Pen's rise


HVG

Order HVG Weekly Paper or Digital and read us anywhere, anytime!


The number of editorial offices independent of authority is steadily declining, and those that still exist are trying to rise to the occasional dizziness. At HVG, we are tolerant, do not succumb to pressure, and bring daily domestic and international news.

That’s why we ask you, our readers, to support us! We promise to continue to give you the best we can!