40th anniversary of Chernobyl disaster commemorated in Ukraine

Ukrainians gathered in the town of Slavutych to mark the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, the worst civilian nuclear accident in history.

The commemoration took place despite the ongoing war in the country.

Participants dressed in white hazmat suits and placed candles and flowers in front of a memorial dedicated to the victims of the disaster.

A bell was rung in the town square as part of the ceremony.

Slavutych, located about 120 kilometres north of Kyiv, was built in 1986 to house people displaced by the nuclear accident.

The event drew local residents including Olga Shevchenko, a native and blogger, who emphasized the importance of remembering the disaster even during wartime.

The commemoration highlights the enduring significance of the Chernobyl disaster for Ukraine and the world, underscoring ongoing concerns about nuclear safety and the resilience of affected communities.

Despite the challenges posed by the current conflict, the ceremony demonstrated a commitment to honoring the memory of those impacted by the disaster.

What remains unclear is how future commemorations will be conducted amid continuing instability in the region.

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