In both Russia/Ukraine and in the Middle East, you might wanna spend a few bucks and get one of these and charge it up. I have tested mine and found it to be reasonably accurate.
GQ GMC-SE Geiger Counter Radiation Detector Beta Gamma X-ray Portable Radiation Monitor Meter Digital Nuclear Radiation Dosimeter, Automatic Data Recording Device, Drop-Proof Silicone Case (Yellow)
It does get swamped at higher radiation levels, but most Geiger-Mueller tubes will do so also. If you are in an area with that level of radiation, you need to leave anyway.
But the unit works, and works well, and it is reasonably well priced, especially with the 20% coupon.
Better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. Like a carry firearm, you won’t need it until you need it badly.
I’ve got a similar unit I picked up a few years back. It’s a GQ Electronics “GQ GMC-300E Plus.” Really easy to use. Mine has an associated app for the laptop. Plug the counter into the USB port on the laptop, and you’ll see real-time graphing of ambient radiation. Mine cost about the same as the one you’re showing. The USB also charges the internal battery.
Sure, there might be slight inaccuracy with these things, kinda like consumer grade thermometers. The thing is to be able to see the TRENDING of radiation over time.
I bought mine because given prevailing winds, I am downwind from an aging nuke plant. As you said, better to have it and not need it than the other way around…