World Commemorates 40th Anniversary of Chernobyl Disaster, Urges Peaceful Nuclear Use

Forty years after the catastrophic Chernobyl disaster, the world pauses to remember the victims and reflect on the profound lessons learned. In Ukraine, the nation most directly and devastatingly affected, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko led solemn commemorations, honoring the liquidators who sacrificed their lives and acknowledging the millions whose lives were irrevocably altered. The echoes of that April day in 1986 continue to resonate, a stark reminder of the immense power and potential danger of nuclear energy.

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Chernobyl nuclear power plant explosion disaster, which occurred on April 26, 1986, changed the lives of millions of Ukrainians. Its aftermath affected the whole world and is still felt today.

Our perspective at the Hankyoreh is that while global remembrance is crucial, the anniversary also serves as a vital moment to reaffirm our commitment to the peaceful and responsible use of nuclear power. Pope Francis's call for discernment and responsibility in all nuclear energy decisions underscores the universal need for caution. In Russia, Rosatom chief Alexey Likhachev paid tribute to the 'heroic work' of the cleanup crews, asserting that modern Russian reactors have eliminated the possibility of a Chernobyl-like scenario. This emphasis on safety is understandable, yet the memory of the disaster demands constant vigilance, not just technological assurances.

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I remember all those who gave their lives putting out the aftermath of the Chernobyl tragedy. May all the victims of the Chernobyl disaster rest in peace.

Belarus, which absorbed a significant portion of the radioactive fallout, also held its commemorations. However, the anniversary highlights a stark contrast in how such events are remembered. While state officials participated in ceremonies, Belarusian NGOs pointedly noted the government's lack of transparency and adequate communication with residents in contaminated areas over the past four decades. This difference in approach—between acknowledging the past and ensuring present-day safety and transparency for affected populations—is a critical aspect often overlooked in international coverage. For nations like Ukraine and Belarus, Chernobyl is not just a historical event but an ongoing reality that continues to shape public health, environmental policy, and national consciousness.

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The accident made us completely re-examine the concept of safety. Today, a Chernobyl-like scenario is excluded at Russian reactors.