Russian nuclear plant leaked radioactive cloud

Moscow initially denied being the source of nuclear contamination across Europe, but has now admitted to a leak

Russia confirms radiation leak near Mayak nuclear facility
(Image credit: SERGEI SUPINSKY/AFP/Getty Images)

After months of denial, Russian officials have confirmed “extremely high” levels of radioactive contamination near the Mayak nuclear plant in the south-west of the country.

“Probes of radioactive aerosols from monitoring stations Argayash and Novogorny were found to contain radioisotope Ru-106” between 25 September and 1 October, says Russia's Rosgidromet service.

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