The First Deputy Speaker took part in a field session of the Temporary Investigation Commission on the consequences of the Chornobyl catastrophe.
06 April 2026, 13:21
The First Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Oleksandr Korniienko, took part in the field session of the TIC that is working on strengthening social protection for victims of the Chornobyl catastrophe, as well as addressing the use of territories contaminated by radiation.
Before the event in Zarichne, Rivne region, the First Deputy Speaker paid tribute to the fallen servicemen who defended our country.
"Eternal memory and glory to the fallen heroes!" said Oleksandr Korniienko.
The agenda of the TIC, traditionally attended by the First Deputy Speaker, focused on:
· the results of dosimetric surveys of settlements affected by radioactive contamination as a result of the Chornobyl disaster;
· legislative initiatives of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine aimed at strengthening social protection and pension provision;
· issues related to free meals for children affected by the Chornobyl disaster who are enrolled in educational institutions located in areas contaminated by radiation.
A separate item on the agenda concerned the TIC’s initiative for the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine to address the parliaments and governments of foreign countries, as well as the International Atomic Energy Agency, on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Chornobyl disaster, and to prevent the russian federation from violating the international nuclear safety regime through targeted attacks on the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant.
Oleksandr Korniienko emphasised that, due to ongoing threats to Ukraine’s nuclear power plants from the russian federation, issues of radiation safety remain highly relevant and require constant monitoring.
According to the First Deputy Speaker, the TIC works systematically to resolve complex long-standing issues — including the registration of radioactively contaminated territories and social payments for affected persons — with a focus on fairness and an objective assessment of the state of the territories. During the commission’s work, violations were identified in the use and leasing of contaminated lands, as well as problems in the management of the Exclusion Zone. The TIC’s actions are aimed at addressing these issues and ensuring justice for those affected.
Oleksandr Korniienko emphasized the importance of restoring justice for those affected by the accident and their children, as well as taking into account the situation of people who suddenly became residents of the Exclusion Zone in 2022. He stressed that unfair treatment of these categories of citizens is unacceptable, and that circumstances such as the loss of documents (archives) confirming their rights and status as victims of the Chornobyl catastrophe must be considered.
The First Deputy Speaker positively assessed the work of the TIC and its cooperation with the Government, the State Agency of Ukraine on the Exclusion Zone, and the communities within the Chernobyl NPP Exclusion Zone: “This is important for the effective registration of territories and practical improvements in the social protection of those affected.”
He noted that the special commission and related legislative initiatives must ensure a fair outcome for the victims and take into account current challenges related to budgetary issues and organizational matters. “Our goal is justice for those who suffered during the accident, for their children, and for all those affected by the Chornobyl tragedy,” he concluded.
The Chair of the TIC, Arsenii Pushkarenko, reported on the results achieved following the commission’s meetings. “Throughout its parliamentary mandate, our TIC has proven its effectiveness by addressing a wide range of issues that have accumulated over the past 40 years since the Chernobyl NPP accident. Social, pension, and medical issues of the affected citizens have returned to the agenda of both the Parliament and the executive branch. Step by step, we are resolving these problems. The anniversary of the Chornobyl catastrophe is a window of opportunity for decisions in favor of the people and territories impacted by this terrible disaster,” Arsenii Pushkarenko stated.
The First Deputy Speaker expressed his gratitude to the Chair of the commission, Arsenii Pushkarenko, all its members, and everyone who worked together to achieve justice on these issues and to address problems that had accumulated over the past 40 years. “Every meeting held demonstrates tangible results,” Oleksandr Korniienko concluded.