40 Years After Chornobyl. How Ecological Movements Influenced National Politics
Forty years ago, on April 26, 1986, the largest nuclear disaster in human history occurred in terms of the number of dead and injured. Following the reactor explosion at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), Soviet authorities failed to inform citizens of the threat in a timely manner.
Pregnant women were strongly advised to have abortions. Some fled hospitals just to save their unborn children. Parents desperately tried to send their kids as far away from Kyiv and the surrounding territories as possible. Often, children were sent to live with people they barely knew, traveling without their parents. Train tickets were incredibly difficult to get.
It was immediately after the Chornobyl disaster that environmental movements—such as “Mama-86” and “Zelenyi Svit” (Green World)—began to actively develop in Ukraine. The Soviet authorities viewed members of these movements as “nationalistically minded elements” whose true goals were to demand “the re-election of the republic’s leadership, the formation of national military units,” and so on. During the local elections just prior to the declaration of Ukraine’s independence, Chornobyl was the most prominent issue in Kyiv’s political platforms.
Over the past decades, communities of eco-activists in Kyiv have become even more united. They fight to preserve the Osokorky Ecopark, the Bilychanskyi Forest, the Kytaiv tract, and other green spaces. Furthermore, these communities continue to produce a new generation of politicians. For example, Roman Ratushnyi—a fallen intelligence officer and fierce defender of the Protasiv Yar nature reserve—ran for the Kyiv City Council before the full-scale Russian invasion began, though at the time, Kyivans did not give him enough support.
For the 40th anniversary of the Chornobyl disaster, as part of the special project “My Dear Kyiv” (information partner: Glavcom media), the public initiative Holka (Needle) spoke with Olha Kosharna, an expert in the field of nuclear energy. Kosharna participated in the construction of the protective shelter over the destroyed reactor and previously ran for the Verkhovna Rada (the Ukrainian Parliament).
The Price of the Authorities’ Silence
Nataliya Sokolenko
Journalist, co-author of the "My Dear Kyiv" project
When the Chornobyl disaster happened, you were working in a research institute. How did you find out about what occurred?
Olha Kosharna
Nuclear energy expert
It was a very warm day. I was washing my windows. Imagine this: at the time, I actually found out about what had happened from my sister, who lived in Belgium. She called me because their media was reporting a spike in radiation levels in Norway and Sweden. It wasn't until the evening of April 28 that Soviet television gave a dry, brief report about the accident, claiming that everything was under control and the victims were being helped. By that time, two days had already passed since the explosion.
And then, in early May, I learned from fellow scientists working at the Institute for Nuclear Research that the background radiation in Kyiv had spiked drastically—by 50 times! Yet the people, ordinary Kyivans, were marched out into the streets for the May 1st Labor Day parade. It was only on May 9 that the Ministry of Health finally announced what people should do to protect themselves from radiation. But even then, potassium iodide was only given to people in Prypiat, not in Kyiv.
I had previously graduated from a military department as a reserve lieutenant specializing in chemical troops. I understood exactly what a dose was, what gamma radiation was, and just how dangerous it was.
And then, in early May, I learned from fellow scientists working at the Institute for Nuclear Research that the background radiation in Kyiv had spiked drastically—by 50 times! Yet the people, ordinary Kyivans, were marched out into the streets for the May 1st Labor Day parade. It was only on May 9 that the Ministry of Health finally announced what people should do to protect themselves from radiation. But even then, potassium iodide was only given to people in Prypiat, not in Kyiv.
I had previously graduated from a military department as a reserve lieutenant specializing in chemical troops. I understood exactly what a dose was, what gamma radiation was, and just how dangerous it was.
Nataliya Sokolenko
Journalist, co-author of the "My Dear Kyiv" project
When people finally found out, how did they save their children?
Olha Kosharna
Nuclear energy expert
At our institute, we were not allowed to take leave to evacuate our children. Understandably, there was such massive panic in Kyiv that it was impossible to buy train tickets for any destination. So, we left in my colleague's car. We drove to Moscow, passing through checkpoints where they measured the radiation on our shoes, which we then had to wash.
From there, we boarded a plane. All the passengers on board were Ukrainians, and everyone was coughing. That is the price of silence. I took my child to my parents and then returned.
From there, we boarded a plane. All the passengers on board were Ukrainians, and everyone was coughing. That is the price of silence. I took my child to my parents and then returned.
Serhiy Kostianchuk
Founder of the Museum of Outstanding Kyivans
Back then in Kyiv, children were also sent to the Arabat Spit and the Kursk region [in Russia]. When we said goodbye to our parents, there was this feeling: will we ever come back, or is this it? Total uncertainty. How did the Soviet authorities explain the causes of the disaster at the time?
Olha Kosharna
Nuclear energy expert
The first report was for the IAEA, and they (the Soviet authorities) blamed the personnel for everything. But in reality, that wasn't true. When Ukraine became independent, new investigative reports emerged showing that the root cause was the structural flaws of the reactor—flaws the chief designer in Moscow was fully aware of. There had already been previous incidents at the Leningrad NPP and on the first energy block of the Chornobyl station.
Moreover, these RBMK reactors were cheap to build. They didn't have a metal containment vessel; it was just a concrete structure.
Moreover, these RBMK reactors were cheap to build. They didn't have a metal containment vessel; it was just a concrete structure.
Threats Due to the War
Serhiy Kostianchuk
Founder of the Museum of Outstanding Kyivans
At the very beginning of the full-scale invasion, Ukraine announced it had lost control of the city of Prypiat and Chornobyl. And when the Russians retreated from the exclusion zone in late March 2022, measurements showed a spike in radiation. Their heavy military equipment had kicked up radioactive dust. Later, a drone hit the Chornobyl NPP. Is there a danger of depressurization?
Olha Kosharna
Nuclear energy expert
Absolutely. For context, after the Chornobyl disaster, they initially built the "Sarcophagus." There were serious questions regarding the quality of its construction. Therefore, a New Safe Confinement was eventually created. I worked as the safety manager for the "Shelter" object between 1996 and 1998. This project included not just the confinement arch, but research and the Shelter Implementation Plan. The work was financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the total cost was over 2 billion euros.
During this work, I was on the roof of the "Shelter" and in other facilities. Radiation levels are strictly monitored there, and it's all automated now. Obviously, scientific and technological progress has moved forward over the years—you can measure things remotely with sensors and so on.
This confinement I mentioned—a structure that cost 1.6 billion euros and was built through the joint efforts of 47 nations—is exactly what was damaged by a cheap, penny-dreadful UAV (drone) on February 14 of last year [2025].
During this work, I was on the roof of the "Shelter" and in other facilities. Radiation levels are strictly monitored there, and it's all automated now. Obviously, scientific and technological progress has moved forward over the years—you can measure things remotely with sensors and so on.
This confinement I mentioned—a structure that cost 1.6 billion euros and was built through the joint efforts of 47 nations—is exactly what was damaged by a cheap, penny-dreadful UAV (drone) on February 14 of last year [2025].
Image caption from source text: Restoration of the confinement at the ChNPP after the damage on February 14, 2025. Photo: Efrem Lukatsky/AP
Olha Kosharna
Nuclear energy expert
Our ultimate goal was to dismantle the old sarcophagus and dispose of everything properly. But because of the war, the constant risks, and the fact that drones and missiles fly overhead every single night, no one can guarantee that some stray Russian missile won't explode in Chornobyl. Because Russia is an unpredictable state with no "red lines," it could consciously aim a drone or a missile directly at the "Shelter" object. It’s an element of blackmail. We cannot rule this out.
Nataliya Sokolenko
Journalist, co-author of the "My Dear Kyiv" project
Currently, the Zaporizhzhia NPP is located in temporarily occupied territory, which is why the international community stresses that during hostilities, nuclear plants must have a special status; otherwise, the threat of a nuclear incident remains. How appropriate was the IAEA's reaction when Russia directed its drone at the Chornobyl NPP? I see your ironic smile when we talk about the IAEA. Is their reaction just the standard "deep concern" format?
Olha Kosharna
Nuclear energy expert
They document things; they are observers. Even if we look at Russia's rights and privileges after committing nuclear terrorism, occupying nuclear facilities in the exclusion zone, and occupying the Zaporizhzhia NPP—Russia has received absolutely no punishment. They haven't suspended its membership in the IAEA Board of Governors, nor have they restricted its rights or privileges.
Many Russians still work within the IAEA apparatus. Deputy to Director General Grossi—Chudakov—is from Russia. So, we shouldn't rely on the IAEA, nor on the UN Security Council, or other international organizations for that matter.
Many Russians still work within the IAEA apparatus. Deputy to Director General Grossi—Chudakov—is from Russia. So, we shouldn't rely on the IAEA, nor on the UN Security Council, or other international organizations for that matter.
Serhiy Kostianchuk
Founder of the Museum of Outstanding Kyivans
Germany abandoned nuclear power stations, but now their rhetoric is shifting, saying they shouldn't have given them up because it made them dependent on Russian gas. Kyiv has survived a difficult winter, and we need to think about what to do next. In your opinion, what are the best options here?
Olha Kosharna
Nuclear energy expert
This winter, the enemy damaged thermal power plants and combined heat and power plants (which run on gas), as well as hydroelectric plants. Up to 70-80% of the electricity was generated by nuclear power plants in Ukrainian-controlled territory. That means the Pivdennoukrainska, Rivne, and Khmelnytskyi NPPs. However, I believe that this Soviet era of "gigantomania" is over.
We need to focus on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), which are already being built in Canada. General Electric has already received a license for a 300-megawatt reactor. Poland is planning to build them, and they’ve already been certified in the US.
They can be built as a power source—in the US, for instance, large companies dealing with data science are counting on them. I believe this is the future, but it needs to be developed after the war ends.
Because, firstly, ballistic missiles can fly over the entire territory until the war is over. Right now, we need to install mobile gas-powered cogeneration units (which produce both electricity and heat) all across the country. Building small modular reactors is a task for the post-war future because these are highly expensive projects.
We need to focus on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), which are already being built in Canada. General Electric has already received a license for a 300-megawatt reactor. Poland is planning to build them, and they’ve already been certified in the US.
They can be built as a power source—in the US, for instance, large companies dealing with data science are counting on them. I believe this is the future, but it needs to be developed after the war ends.
Because, firstly, ballistic missiles can fly over the entire territory until the war is over. Right now, we need to install mobile gas-powered cogeneration units (which produce both electricity and heat) all across the country. Building small modular reactors is a task for the post-war future because these are highly expensive projects.
Ecological Movements and the Political System
Nataliya Sokolenko
Journalist, co-author of the "My Dear Kyiv" project
Progressive politicians in the 1990s raised the issues of ecology and Chornobyl in their election platforms. For example, Ivan Zaiets, a representative of "Zelenyi Svit," became a Member of Parliament from the People's Movement of Ukraine. Today, ecological communities are producing a new generation of patriotic, conscious youth. The fallen intelligence officer Roman Ratushnyi defended Protasiv Yar and wasn't afraid of responsibility—he ran for the Kyiv City Council in 2020. Could these communities, which protect the Osokorky Ecopark, the Kytaiv and Teremky tracts, Literary Square, and other green zones, become the source of a new wave of politicians in post-war elections?
Olha Kosharna
Nuclear energy expert
Right now, the network of environmental organizations is indeed quite powerful. "Ecoaction" (Ecodiya), "Environment-People-Law", the "Ukrainian Nature Conservation Group", and other organizations are implementing a number of projects. For instance, they are protecting the Carpathian highlands from being over-developed with wind turbines.
And of course, it would be wonderful if representatives of ecological communities took on responsibility and entered the political system during this crucial time of state-building.
And of course, it would be wonderful if representatives of ecological communities took on responsibility and entered the political system during this crucial time of state-building.
Nataliya Sokolenko
Journalist, co-author of the "My Dear Kyiv" project
You also ran for the Verkhovna Rada. And it should be added that you don't just protect the environment. For years, you fought against the pro-Russian politician Andriy Derkach, whom the aggressor state awarded the title of "Hero of Ukraine." Derkach's assistant was placing personnel in "Energoatom" [Ukraine's state nuclear company] even during the war. You also did not stay silent regarding the actions of Herman Halushchenko as Minister of Energy, long before NABU (National Anti-Corruption Bureau) announced he was a suspect in corruption crimes. How does one cultivate this trait—the refusal to stay silent when witnessing criminal actions?
Olha Kosharna
Nuclear energy expert
Since childhood, I have been on stage—performing in theaters, playing musical instruments in folk orchestras. It is also important to play sports; sports shape your thinking. And, of course, your upbringing.
But currently, no matter how strong the environmental movements are, and no matter how much citizens publicly speak out about what isn't being done and what should be done, a lot depends specifically on the government, particularly when it comes to European integration.
A year ago, the Ministry of Environment was destroyed as a standalone institution; it was merged with the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Agrarian Policy.
We lost experts. This merger shouldn't have happened because these are inherently antagonistic ministries. The Ministry of Economy will always be in natural conflict with the Ministry of Environment.
Yet, ecology during defense can provide things that the economy cannot. We are meeting with you in Irpin, in a park named after Volodymyr Pravyk, a liquidator of the Chornobyl disaster. And it’s worth reminding everyone here that the Bilychanskyi Forest overcomes the consequences of Chornobyl, and together with the Irpin River floodplain, it formed a natural defensive line for the capital—the metropolis of Kyiv.
But currently, no matter how strong the environmental movements are, and no matter how much citizens publicly speak out about what isn't being done and what should be done, a lot depends specifically on the government, particularly when it comes to European integration.
A year ago, the Ministry of Environment was destroyed as a standalone institution; it was merged with the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Agrarian Policy.
We lost experts. This merger shouldn't have happened because these are inherently antagonistic ministries. The Ministry of Economy will always be in natural conflict with the Ministry of Environment.
Yet, ecology during defense can provide things that the economy cannot. We are meeting with you in Irpin, in a park named after Volodymyr Pravyk, a liquidator of the Chornobyl disaster. And it’s worth reminding everyone here that the Bilychanskyi Forest overcomes the consequences of Chornobyl, and together with the Irpin River floodplain, it formed a natural defensive line for the capital—the metropolis of Kyiv.
Image caption from source text: Filming of the “My Dear Kyiv” project in Irpin, at a park named after liquidator Volodymyr Pravyk, who died at the age of 23
Serhiy Kostianchuk
Founder of the Museum of Outstanding Kyivans
Of course, if instead of a forest in the Sviatoshynskyi district there had been concrete developments, roads, and bridges, the enemy's advance into Kyiv would have been significantly easier. But we see that those who protect green zones and speak about the importance of environmental issues are essentially marginalized, while economic interests are placed in opposition to them. How can we change this?
Olha Kosharna
Nuclear energy expert
Right now, unfortunately, this is a problem not just in Ukraine, but worldwide. In Slovakia, Hungary, and the USA, people can elect populists who simply shape the information field in their favor but make no real changes toward building sustainable states. The society is immature.
However, as far as civil society goes, it is very strong in Ukraine. The horizontal cooperation that saved Kyiv during the full-scale invasion has already been built. And this synergy was visible during the Revolution of Dignity as well. But it is still a small percentage of citizens. We need high-quality ecological education in kindergartens, schools, and institutes. We need to work with parents. From there, we must build a culture.
After the war, there will be massive challenges. We will need to rebuild not just homes and factories and boost production. Our black soils have been mined, and demining will cost a tremendous amount of money. Furthermore, the rocket fuel that seeps into our soil is highly toxic. It is crucial that ecology becomes one of the state's top priorities right now.
However, as far as civil society goes, it is very strong in Ukraine. The horizontal cooperation that saved Kyiv during the full-scale invasion has already been built. And this synergy was visible during the Revolution of Dignity as well. But it is still a small percentage of citizens. We need high-quality ecological education in kindergartens, schools, and institutes. We need to work with parents. From there, we must build a culture.
After the war, there will be massive challenges. We will need to rebuild not just homes and factories and boost production. Our black soils have been mined, and demining will cost a tremendous amount of money. Furthermore, the rocket fuel that seeps into our soil is highly toxic. It is crucial that ecology becomes one of the state's top priorities right now.
Nataliya Sokolenko
Journalist, co-author of the "My Dear Kyiv" project
Finally, we ask every guest of the "My Dear Kyiv" project about their favorite places in the capital. Holka has created a map of the city's most romantic places, where anyone can place a heart and share their story. Where do you love to walk the most?
Olha Kosharna
Nuclear energy expert
For me, it's Volodymyrska Hill, Mariinskyi Park, undoubtedly, and then the Lavra. The territory of the Lavra fascinates me. There is also the Hryshko National Botanical Garden; I also love the University Botanical Garden.
When I worked for nine years as the Communications Director for the "Ukrainian Nuclear Forum" Association, I walked through the university botanical garden every day and watched nature bloom.
Kyiv amazes me with its beauty—its greenery, parks, squares, blooming chestnuts. And the landscape, when you drive from Troieshchyna across the Dnipro River and see it... well, right now it's better not to look...
But before, it was a breathtaking picture—green hills and churches. And those buildings they constructed near the Verkhovna Rada, I believe they desecrated the Kyiv hills. Kyiv needs to have a single master plan for territorial development. And development shouldn't happen at the expense of parks, squares, and the like. When Mikhail Gorbachev visited Kyiv in 1985, a year before Chornobyl exploded near this "resort city," he said: "You live in a resort here!"
Right now, of course, the main thing is to pacify Putin's Russia, which refuses to let us live in peace. But it is equally important that we don't contribute to the destruction of what we have ourselves.
When I worked for nine years as the Communications Director for the "Ukrainian Nuclear Forum" Association, I walked through the university botanical garden every day and watched nature bloom.
Kyiv amazes me with its beauty—its greenery, parks, squares, blooming chestnuts. And the landscape, when you drive from Troieshchyna across the Dnipro River and see it... well, right now it's better not to look...
But before, it was a breathtaking picture—green hills and churches. And those buildings they constructed near the Verkhovna Rada, I believe they desecrated the Kyiv hills. Kyiv needs to have a single master plan for territorial development. And development shouldn't happen at the expense of parks, squares, and the like. When Mikhail Gorbachev visited Kyiv in 1985, a year before Chornobyl exploded near this "resort city," he said: "You live in a resort here!"
Right now, of course, the main thing is to pacify Putin's Russia, which refuses to let us live in peace. But it is equally important that we don't contribute to the destruction of what we have ourselves.
The interviews for the “My Dear Kyiv” project are released as part of a partnership between “Holka” and “Glavcom”. The project aims to unite the Kyiv community to shape the identity of Kyivans and their understanding of the importance of preserving the capital’s cultural and historical heritage and its green zones. Ultimately, this community must influence the authorities to preserve our Kyiv and guide the city’s development.
Currently, a map of the capital has been created where anyone can leave a heart pin and briefly write about their romantic story or simply describe the feelings they experience while walking around Kyiv.
