Gray wolves now living in the Chernobyl exclusion zone also show a new genetic resistance to cancer, researchers have found.

"Dogs at Chernobyl are now genetically distinct … thanks to years of exposure to ionizing radiation, study finds."

Chernobyl's worst day may have turned out to be a windfall for its wolves. As the 40th anniversary of the 1986 reactor meltdown rolled around on Sunday, scientists say wolf numbers in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone are now about seven times higher than before the disaster,

Ukrainians gathered to honour those who died from the accident, as well as the hundreds of thousands who cleaned up after the disaster, exposing themselves to high levels of radiation.View on euronews

Strikes across Ukraine, Russian-occupied territory and Russia have killed at least 16 people. The attacks on Sunday coincided with the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster, prompting warnings about risks near the plant.

Tributes have been paid to those who risked their lives tackling the aftermath of the Chernobyl accident in 1986, with a fundraising process launched for ongoing safety work at an international conference held at the plant.

Russia could spark a new nuclear accident in Ukraine 40 years on from the Chernobyl disaster of 1986, experts have warned. MORE UPDATES TO FOLLOW... Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to ...

The nuclear incident at Chernobyl spread radiation across Europe and led to political changes that played a role in the collapse of the Soviet Union.