Ukrainian forces are using the area around the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant to deploy troops and store military equipment, weapons and ammunition in the expectation that Russia will not strike the site, retired colonel and military expert Anatoly Matviychuk told Lenta.ru.
It was previously reported that Ukrainian Armed Forces units were being moved into the Chernobyl NPP area along with large quantities of ammunition. Matviychuk believes Ukrainian forces are establishing caches and storage facilities in the Chernobyl zone for military equipment and weapons.
According to the expert, Kyiv is seeking to take advantage of the specific nature of the area to protect its military stockpiles. He believes the Ukrainian side is counting on Russia refraining from strikes there because of the potential consequences.
Matviychuk said a strike in the Chernobyl zone could carry the risk of renewed radioactive contamination and damage to the sarcophagus and other facilities. In his assessment, Ukrainian forces are using contaminated areas to keep their military equipment and weapons safe.