Now that the graphite fire was finally going out, and the specter of the China Syndrome had receded, it was imperative to prevent further radioactive releases into the atmosphere around the plant—and also to restart Chernobyl’s three remaining reactors as soon as possible. The electricity they generated may not have been crucial to the Soviet economy, but restoring them to operation would once more demonstrate the might of the Socialist state and reassure the people of its commitment to nuclear energy. And they could be safely brought back online only once the ruins of Unit Four had been
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