The city of Pripyat in northern Ukraine stands as a haunting reminder of the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster. Once home to nearly 50,000 people, this industrial city now lies abandoned within the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, a highly radioactive area spanning 1,000 square miles.

Business Insider recently ventured into this restricted area, located about a two-hour drive north of Kyiv. Entering the exclusion zone required special permits and passing through military checkpoints, a stark reminder that Ukraine remains embroiled in war with Russia.

Walking through Pripyat's silent streets reveals a city frozen in time. Soviet-era emblems still adorn street lights and buildings. Nature has begun to reclaim the urban landscape, with vegetation creeping into structures and forests encroaching on the city limits. Notable sights include an abandoned amusement park with its iconic Ferris wheel, empty apartment blocks, and a deserted supermarket.

While radiation levels have decreased since the 1986 disaster, visitors are still limited in their exposure time. The International Atomic Energy Agency states that lingering radioactive isotopes are at tolerable levels only for brief periods.

The journey into Pripyat serves as a somber reflection on the long-lasting impacts of nuclear disasters and the delicate balance between human development and environmental safety. It also highlights the ongoing tensions in the region, with military presence a constant reminder of Ukraine's current war.

As the world continues to grapple with energy security and environmental concerns, the abandoned city of Pripyat stands as a powerful testament to the potential consequences of nuclear accidents and the importance of rigorous safety measures in energy production.