Nuclear warzone: Ukraine deploys troops to Chernobyl as Russian invasion date named

Ukraine military forces held urban combat drills on the deserted streets of Pripyat, a ghost town near the site of the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster. The eerie exercises saw troops in winter camouflage gear fire at abandoned buildings and launch grenades and mortars into the sky. This comes as a leading Ukraine think tank expert named the date that Vladimir Putin could launch his anticipated invasion.

Alina Frolova, from the Centre for Defence Strategies, told the BBC that the 20th February could be the date of Russia’s invasion.

She said: “It is the last day of the Olympic Games and the last day of the exercises in Belarus.

“On that day they will be ready and they will have maximum forces on the borders. The land will be frozen as well.”

Prior to Ukraine’s deployment to Chernobyl, a special radiation control unit made checks on radioactivity to ensure the area was safe.

Parts of the area are still highly radioactive, 36 years after the nuclear disaster

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It is feared that Vladimir Putin could use the deserted town as a launchpad for a surprise invasion.

A direct highway running from Chernobyl to Kiev means Russian tanks could potentially storm the Ukrainian capital within just a few hours after crossing into the country. 

One source said: “It’s the obvious way in for Russia if they have their eyes on a quick armoured strike against the capital.

“If the Russians pass through here, they’ll be in Kiev in two hours.”

Pripyat, once home to 50,000 people, has been deserted since the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster which caused thousands to flee.

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said the false flag attack would involve a graphic propaganda video that would show staged explosions and use corpses and actors depicting grieving mourners.

Coinciding with the Pentagon’s assessment, three of Russia’s largest state TV channels warned a Ukrainian attack on Russia was “imminent”.

TV reports in Russia claimed that Ukraine has amassed 120,000 troops along the border and were plotting artillery attacks.

Despite the US claims, Russia has repeatedly denied planning to attack its neighbour.