Russia Ukraine War Chernobyl

A man lights a candle at a memorial dedicated to firefighters and workers who died after the 1986 Chornobyl (Chernobyl) nuclear disaster, ahead of its 40th anniversary in Slavutych, Ukraine, Saturday, April 25, 2026. Chornobyl is the Ukrainian name for the city.

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Despite Russia’s war, one Ukrainian city still gathers for midnight Chernobyl vigil

Despite Russia’s war, one Ukrainian city still gathers for midnight Chernobyl vigil

Ukrainians gathered in the city of Slavutych to remember those affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster 40 years ago. The midnight ceremony on Sunday honors those who died and the thousands who risked radiation exposure to contain the aftermath. Despite wartime curfews, residents show up for the vigil each year. The 1986 explosion highlighted lax safety standards and secrecy in the Soviet Union. It exposed millions to radiation and forced evacuations. Attendees like Liudmyla Liubyva, who said her husband lost the ability to walk from a radiation-related illness, emphasized the importance of remembering sacrifices. Slavutych, built for evacuated workers from Chernobyl, remains deeply connected to the disaster's legacy. The war in Ukraine has revived fears of lingering dangers.