Russia-Ukraine war: With stress on stranded workers, risk at Chernobyl nuclear site rises

Russia-Ukraine war news latest updates: Workers at the Chernobyl nuclear power facility have been stranded for 12 days after Russian forces captured the site. The continuous 'imprisonment' are likely to affect their ability to carry out their duties safely at the nuclear power plant sooner or later.

Russia on March 4 reportedly took full control of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant — the site of the world's worst nuclear disaster that occurred in 1986. Now, more than 100 workers are stranded there. They have been stuck at the nuclear plant, along with 200 Ukrainian guards, for over 12 days, unable to leave after Russian forces seized the plant on the first day of the invasion.

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Although Russia said that it secured the site jointly with the Ukrainian national guard, Ukraine disputed the claim and said Russian troops have full control.

The workers are reportedly going about their duties and the situation is being said to be calm. However, the conditions inside the facility are difficult, with limited food and medicine, reported the BBC.

Moreover, there are concerns over them efficiently carrying out their duties at the nuclear plant given the stress amid the Russian invasion.

The Russian soldiers have been able to station themselves inside the 32 km (19 miles) Chernobyl exclusion zone and have surrounded the perimeter of the plant.

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