E6: How plans of a Russian invasion of Ukraine rekindle an interest over Soviet Union’s biggest mistake?
The ongoing speculation of a Russian invasion of Ukraine has grappled with the world media for quite a few months now. While the endless diplomatic showdowns, warnings of sanctions, and cutting off of gas supplies from Russia are doing the news right now, there seems to be an interest building over Russia’s potential course of action if it proceeds with the invasion.
Chernobyl nuclear disaster will remain the biggest mistake of the Soviet Union. This particular incident prompted the Soviets to cut off its area for many years to come. But why is that a problem now? It lies on the border with Belarus.
Currently, Belarus has lent its support to Russia and has promised to act as a base for Russian troops for a potential Russian invasion. The Chernobyl Exclusion Zone lies right on the border with Belarus and will be a stage for action.
But why does Russia have to enter through Belarus?
The Dneiper river cuts Ukraine through the middle and acts as a deterrent for Russian troops advancing from Crimea to the south or troops from the East. The Dneiper river will serve as a barrier to Russian advancement. If Russia wishes to invade the entirety of Ukraine, Putin’s troops would have to cross the Dneiper river in Belarus in the north and make its entry to Kyiv on the western side.
The radioactivity zone of Chernobyl will act as a deterrent for this plan. It covers an area of 2500 km2 in Ukraine and a few thousand square kilometers on the Belarusian side. The zone is still radioactive, and Ukraine would likely consider it a natural barrier for a Russian entry. But if so over it chooses to neglect it, Russian troops may very well try to exploit the weak point. The zone is just 120 km away from the Capital city of Kyiv and hence making it a crucial decision for the NATO allies and Ukraine.
The best form of protection from an enemy invasion is a natural barrier. These can be mountains or large water bodies. The Himalayas may be considered the best natural defense system any country would have. The Chernobyl accident brought suffering to the erstwhile Ukraine Soviet Republic. Still, we will have to wait and watch if it returns the favor by protecting it from an invasion challenging its sovereignty this time around!
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