The state must develop the potential of the Chernobyl zone for the benefit of the country and the world: Oleksandr Korniienko
23 September 2025, 13:31
First Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Oleksandr Korniienko took part in a meeting of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine's Temporary Special Commission for the preparation of issues concerning the strengthening of social protection for citizens affected by the Chernobyl disaster and the use of territory contaminated by radioactive fallout from the Chernobyl disaster (TSC). The event took place in Slavutych at the office centre of the State Enterprise ‘Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant’.
The meeting participants heard about how the Strategy for Developing Areas in the Exclusion Zone and the Zone of Unconditional (Mandatory) Resettlement for 2024-2032 is going. In addition, ways to transform the State Agency of Ukraine for the Management of the Exclusion Zone and a draft procedure for dosimetric certification of land outside settlements contaminated by radioactive fallout from the Chernobyl disaster were presented.
In his speech, Oleksandr Korniienko emphasised the importance of a comprehensive approach to solving the problems of the Chernobyl zone and providing social protection for citizens affected by the disaster. He noted the work of the Temporary Commission, which contributes to the safe management of the relevant territories, ensuring fair social protection for those affected and preparing effective management decisions for future generations.
The First Deputy Speaker also welcomed the Government's decision to assign to the Ministry of Energy the functions of forming state policy in the field of managing the exclusion zone and the zone of unconditional (mandatory) resettlement, overcoming the consequences of the Chernobyl disaster, decommissioning the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, and transforming the Shelter Object into an environmentally safe system. In addition, the Ministry will be responsible for state management in the field of radioactive waste management at the stage of long-term storage and disposal.
According to Oleksandr Korniienko, it is important to eliminate management gaps, illegal use of territories and improve coordination at various levels of government. In addition, the First Deputy Speaker emphasised that scientists and practitioners have given a positive assessment of the restoration of nature in the Chernobyl zone, and that scientific research helps to better regulate the exploitation of the territory and ensure the safe management of contaminated areas. «The state must develop the potential of the Chernobyl zone for the benefit of the country and the world, in particular through energy, scientific research and nuclear safety,» he said, adding that safe territories could be used for leasing and economic activities. At the same time, the issue of proper dosimetric certification of agricultural land remains important.
The First Deputy Speaker stressed that much work remains to be done to restore the Chernobyl zone, provide social guarantees for those affected, and ensure proper dosimetric certification of land. «There are no global examples of solving the existing issues, so we need to consolidate the efforts of the Parliament, the Government, and those who have directly dedicated their lives to working at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant,» Oleksandr Korniienko said. He noted that the issue of resource provision for the relevant measures will be considered when preparing the budget for 2026.