Soviet television showed, on April 30, 1986, this picture of the Chernobyl plant on which a half-destroyed building could be seen, but commentary said there had been "no destruction, nor gigentic fires nor thousands of casualties". Ukraine will on April 30, 2026 mark the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl accident, the worst civilian nuclear disaster in history. The risks of new radioactive releases still remain today, as the site is threatened by Russian strikes after it invaded the neighbour four years ago. (Photo by AFP)
Soviet television showed, on April 30, 1986, this picture of the Chernobyl plant on which a half-destroyed building could be seen, but commentary said there had been "no destruction, nor gigentic fires nor thousands of casualties". Ukraine will on April 30, 2026 mark the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl accident, the worst civilian nuclear disaster in history. The risks of new radioactive releases still remain today, as the site is threatened by Russian strikes after it invaded the neighbour four years ago. (Photo by AFP)
Soviet television showed, on April 30, 1986, this picture of the Chernobyl plant on which a half-destroyed building could be seen, but commentary said there had been "no destruction, nor gigentic fires nor thousands of casualties". Ukraine will on April 30, 2026 mark the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl accident, the worst civilian nuclear disaster in history. The risks of new radioactive releases still remain today, as the site is threatened by Russian strikes after it invaded the neighbour four years ago. (Photo by AFP)
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Soviet television showed, on April 30, 1986, this picture of the Chernobyl plant on which a half-destroyed building could be seen, but commentary said there had been "no destruction, nor gigentic fires nor thousands of casualties". Ukraine will on April 30, 2026 mark the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl accident, the worst civilian nuclear disaster in history. The risks of new radioactive releases still remain today, as the site is threatened by Russian strikes after it invaded the neighbour four years ago. (Photo by AFP)
Pictures of deceased "liquidators" are arranged on a wall in Chernobyls catastrophe museum in Kiev watches on April 18, 2006. Ukraine will on April 30, 2026 mark the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl accident, the worst civilian nuclear disaster in history. The risks of new radioactive releases still remain today, as the site is threatened by Russian strikes after it invaded the neighbour four years ago. (Photo by Sergei SUPINSKY / AFP)
Picture taken from a helicopter in April 1986 shows a general view of the destroyed 4th power block of Chernobyls nuclear power plant, a few days after the catastrophe. Ukraine will on April 30, 2026 mark the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl accident, the worst civilian nuclear disaster in history. The risks of new radioactive releases still remain today, as the site is threatened by Russian strikes after it invaded the neighbour four years ago. (Photo by VLADIMIR REPIK / AFP)
Oxana Gaibon (R), 17, and Alla Kozimierka, 15, both victims of the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster, receive infrared radiation treatment on December 12, 1994 at the Tarara Children Hospital in Havana, Cuba, as along with hundreds of other contaminated Russian and Ukranian adolescents they have been receiving free medical treatment in Cuba as part of a humanitarian project. Ukraine will on April 30, 2026 mark the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl accident, the worst civilian nuclear disaster in history. The risks of new radioactive releases still remain today, as the site is threatened by Russian strikes after it invaded the neighbour four years ago. (Photo by Adalberto ROQUE / AFP). (Foto: ADALBERTO ROQUE, -/Ritzau Scanpix)
A photograph shows dogs passing by a Ferris wheel in background in the ghost town of Pripyat near the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant on May 29, 2022, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Ukraine will on April 30, 2026 mark the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl accident, the worst civilian nuclear disaster in history. The risks of new radioactive releases still remain today, as the site is threatened by Russian strikes after it invaded the neighbour four years ago. (Photo by Dimitar DILKOFF / AFP)
A moose in an abandoned city of Prypiat near the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, amid Russias attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv region, Ukraine April 22, 2026. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich
Wild Przewalskis horses, endangered species native to Asia, that thrives in a radioactively contaminated area, roam near a forest road in the Chornobyl zone on April 23, 2026. Ukraine will on April 30, 2026 mark the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl accident, the worst civilian nuclear disaster in history. The risks of new radioactive releases still remain today, as the site is threatened by Russian strikes after it invaded the neighbour four years ago. (Photo by Sergei SUPINSKY / AFP)
Wild Przewalskis horses, endangered species native to Asia, that thrives in a radioactively contaminated area, roam near a forest road in the Chornobyl zone on April 23, 2026. Ukraine will on April 30, 2026 mark the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl accident, the worst civilian nuclear disaster in history. The risks of new radioactive releases still remain today, as the site is threatened by Russian strikes after it invaded the neighbour four years ago. (Photo by Sergei SUPINSKY / AFP)
This photograph shows New Safe Confinement (NSC), covering the destroyed fourth reactor at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant on April 23, 2026. Ukraine will on April 26, 2026 mark the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl accident, the worst civilian nuclear disaster in history. The risks of new radioactive releases still remain today, as the site is threatened by Russian strikes after it invaded the neighbour four years ago. (Photo by Sergei SUPINSKY / AFP)
Visitors walk in the abandoned Energetic Culture Palace in the ghost city of Pripyat near Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant on April 23, 2026. Ukraine will on April 30, 2026 mark the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl accident, the worst civilian nuclear disaster in history. The risks of new radioactive releases still remain today, as the site is threatened by Russian strikes after it invaded the neighbour four years ago. (Photo by Sergei SUPINSKY / AFP)
This photograph shows a room in an abandoned hotel in the ghost city of Pripyat near Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant on April 23, 2026. Ukraine will on April 30, 2026 mark the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl accident, the worst civilian nuclear disaster in history. The risks of new radioactive releases still remain today, as the site is threatened by Russian strikes after it invaded the neighbour four years ago. (Photo by Sergei SUPINSKY / AFP)
This photograph shows Ferris wheel in the ghost city of Pripyat near Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant on April 23, 2026. Ukraine will on April 30, 2026 mark the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl accident, the worst civilian nuclear disaster in history. The risks of new radioactive releases still remain today, as the site is threatened by Russian strikes after it invaded the neighbour four years ago. (Photo by Sergei SUPINSKY / AFP)
Employees stand in front of New Safe Confinement (NSC), covering the destroyed fourth reactor at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant on April 23, 2026. Ukraine will on April 26, 2026 mark the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl accident, the worst civilian nuclear disaster in history. The risks of new radioactive releases still remain today, as the site is threatened by Russian strikes after it invaded the neighbour four years ago. (Photo by Sergei SUPINSKY / AFP)
An employee walks past the New Safe Confinement (NSC), covering the destroyed fourth reactor at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant on April 23, 2026. Ukraine will on April 26, 2026 mark the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl accident, the worst civilian nuclear disaster in history. The risks of new radioactive releases still remain today, as the site is threatened by Russian strikes after it invaded the neighbour four years ago. (Photo by Sergei SUPINSKY / AFP)
Visitors take pictures in front of the sarcophagus covering the destroyed fourth reactor under the New Safe Confinement (NSC) at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power on April 24, 2026. Ukraine will on April 26, 2026 mark the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl accident, the worst civilian nuclear disaster in history. The risks of new radioactive releases still remain today, as the site is threatened by Russian strikes after it invaded the neighbour four years ago. (Photo by Sergei SUPINSKY / AFP)
A visitor of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant films in the control room of the destroyed 4th block of the plant on April 23, 2026. Ukraine will on April 26, 2026 mark the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl accident, the worst civilian nuclear disaster in history. The risks of new radioactive releases still remain today, as the site is threatened by Russian strikes after it invaded the neighbour four years ago. (Photo by Sergei SUPINSKY / AFP)
An employee stands in front of the sarcophagus covering the destroyed fourth reactor under the New Safe Confinement (NSC) at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power on April 24, 2026. Ukraine will on April 26, 2026 mark the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl accident, the worst civilian nuclear disaster in history. The risks of new radioactive releases still remain today, as the site is threatened by Russian strikes after it invaded the neighbour four years ago. (Photo by Sergei SUPINSKY / AFP)
This photograph shows the New Safe Confinement (NSC), covering the destroyed fourth reactor at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant on April 23, 2026. Ukraine will on April 26, 2026 mark the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl accident, the worst civilian nuclear disaster in history. The risks of new radioactive releases still remain today, as the site is threatened by Russian strikes after it invaded the neighbour four years ago. (Photo by Sergei SUPINSKY / AFP)
Employees and visitors walk in front of the sarcophagus covering the destroyed fourth reactor under the New Safe Confinement (NSC) at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power on April 24, 2026. Ukraine will on April 26, 2026 mark the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl accident, the worst civilian nuclear disaster in history. The risks of new radioactive releases still remain today, as the site is threatened by Russian strikes after it invaded the neighbour four years ago. (Photo by Sergei SUPINSKY / AFP)
Employees of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant visit in the control room of the destroyed 4th block of the plant on April 23, 2026. Ukraine will on April 26, 2026 mark the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl accident, the worst civilian nuclear disaster in history. The risks of new radioactive releases still remain today, as the site is threatened by Russian strikes after it invaded the neighbour four years ago. (Photo by Sergei SUPINSKY / AFP)
An Emergency Services employee scrolls information about Chernobyl tragedy at a temporary display dedicated to the 40th anniversary of the explosion at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant - the worst civilian nuclear disaster in history, at the Atom pavilion, a permanent exhibition centre designed to demonstrate Russias main past and modern achievements of the nuclear power industry, at the All-Russia Exhibition Centre (VDNH) in Moscow on April 24, 2026. (Photo by Igor IVANKO / AFP)
A pedestrian walks past portraits of fallen Ukrainian defenders in the central square of the town of Slavutych on April 24, 2026, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Ukraine will on April 26, 2026 mark the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl accident, the worst civilian nuclear disaster in history. The risks of new radioactive releases still remain today, as the site is threatened by Russian strikes after it invaded the neighbour four years ago. (Photo by Genya SAVILOV / AFP)
Children takes part in a football game at a playground in the town of Slavutych on April 24, 2026, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Ukraine will on April 26, 2026 mark the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl accident, the worst civilian nuclear disaster in history. The risks of new radioactive releases still remain today, as the site is threatened by Russian strikes after it invaded the neighbour four years ago. (Photo by Genya SAVILOV / AFP)
This photograph shows a fragment of exposition with a portrait of Nikolay Solovyov in the control room of the 3rd power block in the early 90s (center-up) in the Museum of the town of Slavutych and the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant on April 24, 2026, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It was Nikolay Solovyovs shift on the night of April 26, 1986, when the Chernobyl nuclear power plant exploded. In the aftermath, he hadnt fled, choosing instead to fight his "first war, " against radiation. Solovyov, who received high doses of radiation and has undergone countless medical checks, attributes his longevity to good health, regular sport, a calm temperament and genetics. Ukraine will on April 26, 2026, mark the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl accident, the worst civilian nuclear disaster in history. (Photo by Genya SAVILOV / AFP)
Nikolay Solovyov, retired Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant engineer, points to photograph depicting him in the control room of the 3rd power block in the early 90s, on a wall in the Museum of the town of Slavutych and the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Slavutych on April 24, 2026, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It was Nikolay Solovyovs shift on the night of April 26, 1986, when the Chernobyl nuclear power plant exploded. In the aftermath, he hadnt fled, choosing instead to fight his "first war, " against radiation. Solovyov, who received high doses of radiation and has undergone countless medical checks, attributes his longevity to good health, regular sport, a calm temperament and genetics. Ukraine will on April 26, 2026, mark the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl accident, the worst civilian nuclear disaster in history. (Photo by Genya SAVILOV / AFP)
Nikolay Solovyov, retired Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant engineer, stands in front of portraits of first Chernobyl victims in the Memorial room of the Museum of the town of Slavutych and the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Slavutych on April 24, 2026, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It was Nikolay Solovyovs shift on the night of April 26, 1986, when the Chernobyl nuclear power plant exploded. In the aftermath, he hadnt fled, choosing instead to fight his "first war, " against radiation. Solovyov, who received high doses of radiation and has undergone countless medical checks, attributes his longevity to good health, regular sport, a calm temperament and genetics. Ukraine will on April 26, 2026, mark the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl accident, the worst civilian nuclear disaster in history. (Photo by Genya SAVILOV / AFP)
Nikolay Solovyov was on shift the night of April 26, 1986 when the Chernobyl nuclear power plant exploded. He remembers the disaster as a war. By dawn, he and his colleagues were already counting down what they believed were their final days. Well last two weeks, he recalls someone saying. Four decades later, a second war, Russias invasion of Ukraine, has claimed his son. Id rather not remember anything, so as not to get upset, the 67-year-old tells AFP. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES ARRANGED IN SEQUENCES
Pedestrians walk past the White Angel of Slavutych monument in the central square of the town of Slavutych on April 24, 2026, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Ukraine will on April 26, 2026 mark the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl accident, the worst civilian nuclear disaster in history. The risks of new radioactive releases still remain today, as the site is threatened by Russian strikes after it invaded the neighbour four years ago. (Photo by Genya SAVILOV / AFP)
A visitor of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant films in the control room of the destroyed 4th block of the plant on April 23, 2026. Ukraine will on April 26, 2026 mark the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl accident, the worst civilian nuclear disaster in history. The risks of new radioactive releases still remain today, as the site is threatened by Russian strikes after it invaded the neighbour four years ago. (Photo by Sergei SUPINSKY / AFP)
