Every year on December 14, Ukraine celebrates the Day of Honoring the Participants in the Liquidation of the Consequences of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant (ChNPP) Accident, which has become a symbol of recognition of the heroism, dedication, and sacrifice of thousands of people who took part in the liquidation of the consequences of one of the world's largest man-made disasters.
The Chernobyl tragedy, which occurred on April 26, 1986, changed the lives of millions of people. The explosion of the fourth power unit of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant caused a powerful radiation accident. However, it was thanks to the liquidators that its consequences for Ukraine and the whole world were minimized.
More than 600,000 people were involved in the work to eliminate the accident itself and its consequences, including military personnel, law enforcement officers, and other military formations, as well as employees of state, public, and other enterprises, institutions, and organizations, regardless of their departmental affiliation.
One of the key events in the accident cleanup was the construction of a sarcophagus over the ruins of the fourth power unit. This engineering triumph took place under enormous time pressure and took into account the highest safety standards. On December 14, 1986, the process of installing the sarcophagus was completed.
The cleanup of the Chernobyl accident has provided invaluable experience in the field of nuclear safety. The legacy of these events helps to develop and improve technologies and approaches to nuclear energy management with the aim of ensuring maximum safety.
Now, as Ukraine resists Russian invasion and the occupiers threaten the whole world with a new nuclear catastrophe, the feat of the Ukrainian liquidators takes on special significance. Ukraine knows better than anyone the price of radiation safety and will do everything to ensure that a disaster like Chernobyl never happens again.
The radioactive particles released as a result of the accident at the fourth reactor of the nuclear power plant will continue to decay for many years to come, but human memory and respect for the heroes of Chernobyl for their feat and self-sacrifice are not limited in time and will live forever.