KYIV – Ukraine today marks the 39th anniversary of the Chornobyl disaster—one of the most catastrophic man-made events in human history—with a stern warning from Ukrainian authorities about Russia’s ongoing nuclear aggression and disinformation campaign.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine issued a joint statement reflecting on the legacy of the April 26, 1986 explosion at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, while drawing parallels between the Soviet regime that caused the original disaster and the current Russian government accused of weaponizing nuclear facilities in Ukraine.
Legacy of Disaster
The Chornobyl explosion, caused by a Moscow-directed experiment that ignored fundamental safety protocols, unleashed a wave of radioactive contamination across Europe. More than 145,000 square kilometers were affected, including 2,218 Ukrainian settlements home to 2.4 million people. Millions suffered the consequences, and economic damages are estimated at tens of billions of U.S. dollars.
“The Chornobyl disaster demonstrated the fatal flaws of the Soviet regime, which not only caused the accident but actively tried to conceal its scale, thereby endangering millions,” the statement read. “That same culture of secrecy, negligence, and disregard for human life continues today in Russia.”
Modern-Day Nuclear Terrorism
The Ukrainian government is sounding alarms over what it describes as “nuclear terrorism” by the Russian Federation during its ongoing war of aggression. Since launching a full-scale invasion in 2022, Russia has occupied two of Ukraine’s nuclear power facilities—Chornobyl and Zaporizhzhia—in violation of international law.
In February 2025, Russia launched a drone attack on the New Safe Confinement structure at Chornobyl, damaging protective infrastructure critical to containing the radioactive remains of Reactor 4. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) later reported explosions and damage to emergency infrastructure at Zaporizhzhia NPP in March—attributed to unqualified Russian personnel replacing licensed Ukrainian nuclear experts.
“These reckless attacks threaten not only Ukraine but the safety of the entire continent,” the ministries warned. “No state should be allowed to use nuclear facilities as tools of war or blackmail.”
Heroes Then and Now
On the anniversary, Ukraine honors the thousands who responded to the 1986 crisis and those who defended Chornobyl from renewed danger during Russia’s 2022 invasion. When Russian forces seized the Exclusion Zone, Ukrainian staff continued operating key systems under duress, averting another potential catastrophe.
“Despite occupation, sabotage, and terror, the personnel of the Exclusion Zone showed unmatched bravery,” the statement noted. “They preserved critical infrastructure, safeguarded radiation data, and protected the world from further nuclear disaster.”
To date, 40 workers from the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone have died defending Ukraine since the full-scale invasion began. A memorial to honor these fallen heroes was unveiled in 2023.
Call to Action
Ukrainian authorities are calling on the international community to increase pressure on Moscow and ensure the full return of Ukrainian control over the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.
“Global nuclear safety cannot be ensured while Russian forces remain in control of Ukrainian facilities,” the ministries emphasized. “The return of Zaporizhzhia NPP to Ukraine is not just a political demand—it is a moral and existential imperative.”
Environmental damages caused by the Russian invasion are estimated at more than €85 billion, including massive air and water pollution, destruction of protected reserves, and widespread ecological disruption.
Chornobyl Today
The Exclusion Zone is now home to a dedicated team of more than 5,000 specialists who uphold international nuclear safety standards and contribute to global knowledge of radiation management. The IAEA has recognized the Zone’s workforce for their professionalism and resilience.
As the world remembers Chornobyl, Ukraine urges global solidarity in holding Russia accountable for its crimes and ensuring such a disaster is never repeated.
