30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CHORNOBYL NUCLEAR DISASTER: ANOTHER TRAGIC LEGACY OF RUSSIAN IMPERIALISM
Thirty years ago, on 26 April 1986, the nuclear facility in Chornobyl, Ukraine, was the site of the world’s worst nuclear disaster which took the lives of 28 reactor staff and emergency responders, displaced hundreds of thousands of individuals, and affected the long-term health and well-being of millions exposed to the radioactive fallout.
This catastrophe resulted from the ruthless exploitation of Ukraine and its people by an imperialistic Russian regime that continuously manifested a callous disregard for human life.
Five days after this nuclear disaster, the Kremlin did not even call off the traditional May Day parade on the streets of Kyiv. The Ukrainian population, including school children, unaware of what transpired, were exposed to high levels of radioactivity and consumed food that had already been radio-contaminated.
The effects of this devastation on human life and the environment will be a source of study for generations. Тhe monetary costs associated with relocation, compensation, closure and security of the facility, and subsequent plans to protect and rehabilitate the areas affected will continue to be staggering.
The Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) continues to support the efforts of Ukrainian authorities to address the many issues resulting from the aftermath of this nuclear catastrophe and ensure the safety of all nuclear facilities on its territory.
The UWC also welcomes the initiative of Ukraine to establish the Chornobyl Special Biosphere Reserve that will preserve the natural state of the environment, allow for rehabilitation of the affected areas, and further international research.
The UWC acknowledges the international government agencies and non-governmental organizations that, over the years, have provided technical and financial assistance, as well as humanitarian aid for the Ukrainian people.
On the 30th anniversary of the Chornobyl nuclear disaster, the UWC pays tribute to the heroic emergency responders and all of the victims, and calls upon the international community to join the global Ukrainian community in remembrance.
“The Ukrainian World Congress reminds the world of the horrific events of 26 April 1986 in Chornobyl and continues to stress the need for the international community to act decisively in response to Russia’s continuing blatant disregard for the value of human life, as evidenced by the consequences of the ongoing aggression in Eastern Ukraine and illegal occupation of Crimea,” commented UWC President Eugene Czolij.
