Russian forces take control of Chernobyl NPP - Defense Ministry

MOSCOW. Feb 25 (Interfax) - Russian forces have taken control of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant.

"Yesterday, on February 24, units of the Russian Airborne Forces took full control of the area around the Chernobyl NPP," Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said.

It was agreed with servicemen of a separate battalion protecting Ukrainian nuclear power plants to jointly ensure security of the Chernobyl NPP units and safe confinement dome, he said.

"Radiation levels are normal in the NPP area. The NPP personnel continue to operate the power plant as usual and to monitor radiation levels," Konashenkov said.