From April 6 to 24, 2026, the Donetsk Youth Palace “Yunist” hosted the “Chernobyl: No Right to Forget” Memorial Marathon online, marking the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster.
Students and teachers participated in the event. The marathon combined three themes: “Tribute to the Heroes,” “The Chernobyl Palette,” and “Safety Technologies,” as well as four age categories.
Approximately 500 entries from 85 educational institutions in the local communities of Donetsk Oblast were submitted to the marathon. The online voting, which took place from April 21 to 23, 2026, attracted over 1,500 participants.
Based on the results of the audience vote, the winners were: in the “Chernobyl Palette” category – Vladislav Sokil (Bakhmut Secondary School No. 12); “Dedicated to the Heroes” – Sofia Fedorova (Bakhmut Educational Complex “Secondary School No. 11 – Multidisciplinary Lyceum”); “Safety Technologies” – Ivan Kurylo (Chasovoyarsk Secondary School No. 17).
By decision of the jury, the Grand Prix of the Marathon was awarded to Eduard Glushetsky (Dobropil Lyceum of the Kryvyi Rih Village Council) and Olena Shcherbina (Lymansk Lyceum No. 3).
The Marathon has become an important platform for preserving historical memory, fostering a responsible attitude toward nuclear safety, and reflecting on the lessons of Chernobyl through creativity and a contemporary perspective.