I’m acquainted with one of Russia’s chief oncologists, who was one of the primary physicians that dealt with the consequences of Chernobyl. She’s been quite clear that the number of people affected is both large and well-suppressed.

Of course, the very nature of “the state makes sure not to collect damaging statistics” means I can’t actually quantify the real harm done. For all I know, maybe it’s just equal to ‘two’ bad train wrecks.