Chernobyl: The New Evidence

The programme utilises previously classified KGB documents to shed light on Soviet-era secrecy. In its second part it investigates how far Soviet leaders were prepared to go in covering up the Chernobyl disaster and the mechanisms employed to suppress information.

Fallout's a television programme presented as an episode. It forms part of a series that examines historical events through archival material. The production adopts a documentary style, aiming to bring previously unseen records to a wider audience. Though brief in description, the episode promises a focused look at a pivotal moment in recent history. The second instalment of the episode draws on KGB documents that were once classified. By unlocking these secret files, the makers're able to piece together a narrative that was hidden from the public at the time. The reliance on authentic paperwork gives the segment it’s a solid factual foundation, for analysis and interpretation by researchers. Through this material, the programme reveals how far Soviet authorities were prepared to go to conceal the Chernobyl catastrophe. The evidence points to a concerted effort by senior officials to suppress information, manage perceptions, and keep the scale of the accident out of public view. It highlights the lengths of the cover‑up in the era. The use of these once‑secret records provides a rare glimpse into the decision‑making processes of the Soviet leadership during the crisis. By presenting the documents themselves, the episode allows viewers to assess the extent of the concealment without relying on secondary commentary. It underscores the power of archival evidence in revisiting historic events for understanding.