Address by Prime Minister of Ukraine Arseniy Yatsenyuk on the Chernobyl tragedy commemorative day
Dear compatriots!
On 26 April 1986 there
occurred an explosion in Ukraine that divided the world history into two parts
for ever: "before" and "after" the Chernobyl accident.
Thousands of people died and became disabled, villages and towns remained abandoned,
fertile lands, forests and rivers were contaminated - all these are consequences
of the largest man-made disaster in the history of mankind.
Chernobyl has become
the verdict to the decaying totalitarian regime and, at the same time, a
constant reminder of human responsibility to the planet.
We will always
remember the feat of fire-fighters, soldiers, engineers, doctors, all those who
were risking their life and health, stood up to defend the earth from the
radiation curse.
I bow low to all the
heroes of Chernobyl, the liquidators of the Chernobyl accident. I express my
gratitude to all those who perform their professional duties in the alienation
zone.
Peace to all of us on
this day, good health, prosperity and longevity.