Russian Forces Seize Chernobyl Exclusion Zone

On February 24, 2022, Russian military forces advancing on Kyiv seize the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant and exclusion zone as part of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Russian troops dig trenches in the Red Forest, stirring up highly radioactive soil. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi expresses alarm about the safety of spent nuclear fuel and monitoring systems. Ukraine's State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate reports elevated radiation levels in the zone. Russian forces withdraw on March 31, 2022, after approximately 5 weeks of occupation.