According to Der Spiegel, Ukrainian forces have spent the past several months strengthening defences in the exclusion zone around the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in preparation for a possible Russian advance.
The publication reported that Ukrainian units have deployed construction machinery to dig trenches, pits and other defensive positions. Troops are also cutting down nearby forests and using the timber to build fortifications. Engineers have installed anti-drone nets over some roads in the area.
Der Spiegel said the army is preparing for a range of possible scenarios across the exclusion zone, with checkpoints interrupting traffic every few kilometres.
The magazine also reported that Ukrainian forces blew up a railway bridge previously used to transport Chernobyl plant employees out of the exclusion zone. Following the bridge’s destruction, staff were forced to move into temporary dormitories set up in former administrative buildings at the site. They are now able to return home only once every two weeks.
Vladimir Zelensky had earlier repeatedly warned of a possible Russian advance into Ukraine through Belarus. The Russian side has denied having such plans.