Halyna Bevzo, Ph.D., Head of the Department of General Studies:
The Chernobyl disaster that occurred in April 1986 at the fourth power unit of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant (NPP) is one of the most catastrophic events in human history. The incident required enormous efforts to eliminate the consequences, and on December 14, 1986, the construction of a protective sarcophagus over the destroyed fourth power unit was completed. This structure played a crucial role in protecting the environment from further exposure to extremely dangerous radioactive products.
In honor of the victims of the disaster, the President of Ukraine Decree of November 10, 2006 (No. 945/2006) established the Day of Honoring the Participants of the Liquidation of the Consequences of the Chornobyl Accident. This day, which is celebrated annually on December 14, is a solemn occasion to honor the courage, dedication and high professionalism of the people who participated in the difficult task of eliminating the consequences of the Chornobyl disaster.
Various events are organized across the country on this day to honor the liquidators. Among them are requiem meetings, laying flowers at the memorial complexes to the Heroes of Chernobyl, and memorial prayers for those who died as a result of the disaster.
In recent years, the world has faced a new and alarming phenomenon: nuclear terrorism. The large-scale aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine has increased concerns about the safety of nuclear and radiation facilities. Now the world community is faced not only with the threat of nuclear weapons, but also with the potential destruction of these dangerous places. Europe is facing the danger of a nuclear disaster on a scale that exceeds the 1986 disaster, which underscores the critical importance of nuclear safety and international cooperation.
As the world faces ever-increasing nuclear safety challenges, the commemoration of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster serves as a poignant reminder of the potential consequences of such catastrophic events. The sacrifices made by those involved in the liquidation of the consequences of the Chornobyl disaster should not be forgotten, and the commemoration of the Memorial Day plays a crucial role in preserving their legacy. In the light of current nuclear threats, it is extremely important to prioritize the safety of nuclear facilities and emphasize the need for international cooperation to prevent future disasters.
The material was prepared pursuant to the instruction of the Prime Minister of Ukraine No. 44409/0/1-23 dated 07.12.2023 to the letter of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine No. 25/1-22/18408-23 dated 27.11.2023.
