Ukraine strengthens defenses of the Chernobyl zone due to the risk of a repeated Russian attack from the north — Der Spiegel

The Ukrainian military is strengthening its defensive positions in the Chernobyl zone, given the risk of possible new attempts by Russian troops to attack Kyiv from the north. Fortifications, checkpoints, and special barriers to counter drones are being set up in the exclusion zone.

This is reported by the German publication Der Spiegel.

New fortifications are being built in the Chernobyl zone

According to journalists’ observations, large-scale work is underway to equip defensive positions in the Chernobyl zone.

Checkpoints have been set up on the roads every few kilometers. Special equipment is digging trenches and depressions, and the soil is being used to create protective embankments near intersections and other strategically important areas.

Defensive structures are being built under some of these embankments. During their construction, in particular, wood from the surrounding pine forests is used to strengthen walls and ceilings.

Particular attention is paid to protection against drones. Along some roads, high metal structures are being installed, between which special nets are being stretched. They should make it difficult to use FPV drones.

Similar systems are already being used by the Ukrainian military on sections of the front in the east of the country.

The Belarus factor

One of the risks for the northern direction remains the proximity of the Belarusian border. From certain sections of the Chernobyl zone to the territory of Belarus – about 15 kilometers.

Currently, Belarusian troops are not directly participating in hostilities against Ukraine. At the same time, if the situation changes, the proximity of the border may create additional risks, in particular regarding the use of FPV drones.

Ukrainian military and experts have previously repeatedly drawn attention to the need to maintain defensive readiness in the northern direction.

At the beginning of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, it was through the territory of the Chernobyl zone that Russian units moved towards Kyiv. Then Russian troops also seized the territory of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant.

The Chernobyl nuclear power plant remains an object of increased risk

Special attention is paid to the safety of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant itself.

Journalists from Der Spiegel reported on traces of repair work on the New Safe Confinement above the destroyed fourth power unit. Ukrainian specialists closed the damaged section of the metal structure, which was damaged as a result of a Russian drone strike.

In February 2025, a drone hit a protective structure above the fourth power unit of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. After the impact, a fire broke out inside the structure and elements of the protection system were damaged.

The New Safe Confinement was installed above the fourth power unit in 2016. Its main task is to isolate the destroyed reactor and prevent the spread of radioactive materials into the environment.

Ukraine is preparing for various scenarios

The strengthening of the defense of the Chernobyl zone is taking place against the backdrop of discussions about possible Russian actions in the northern direction.

Ukrainian military and experts note that in order to open a full-fledged new front from the Belarusian side, Russia would need a significant grouping of troops and appropriate resources.

At the same time, attempts to create an additional direction of pressure on Ukraine cannot be completely ruled out.

That is why Ukrainian forces continue to strengthen the northern border and the Chernobyl zone, which is of strategic importance due to its proximity to Belarus and Kyiv, as well as the location of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant facilities on its territory.