POST 2: CHERNOBYL

The then communist government of the Soviet Union kept the large population under control by, among other things, controlling the publication and distribution of information very, very strictly. They actually micro managed it.

During the operation of a nuclear reactor, nuclear fission takes place and in the process by-products are formed. Each of the 4 RBMK-1000 reactors of the ChNPP formed approximately 100 by-products!!

One of these is plutonium, a highly reactive metal. Plutonium (and some of the other byproducts) pack together on the nuclear fuel rods inside the reactor. When the fuel has completed its cycle, it is taken to a special plant. One of the processes of such a plant involves stripping and collecting the plutonium. Reactors are sometimes specifically developed to create plutonium which is then harvested for use in nuclear weapons programs.

The former Soviet Union was indeed a member of the IAEA and under their agreement nuclear accidents and incidents must be declared. Investigations into the causes are then launched and measures introduced to prevent future recurrences.

However, the Russians did not declare their accidents and incidents because their entire nuclear program, i.e. civilian as well as military, was classified as top secret.

One of the disadvantages of this was that it created the illusion in the West that the Russian nuclear industry, equipment and technology was very reliable and safe.

Cesium is one of the dangerous isotopes formed during nuclear fission and is usually the dominant scapegoat when nuclear contamination occurs.

🇺🇦 @ukraine_report 🇺🇦