Naples, Italy – April 13, 2026 – The city of Naples marked the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster by recognizing the bravery and sacrifice of two Ukrainian ‘liquidators’ who were instrumental in the containment efforts of the 1986 catastrophe. The event, held in the Sala Giunta, saw the city’s Councillor for Health and Green Areas, Vincenzo Santagada, meet with the two distinguished individuals.
Ukrainian Heroes Recognized in Naples
The honored liquidators are Volodymyr Chartorynskyi (born 1960), a physician and colonel in the Ukrainian Armed Forces medical service, who served as a therapist-radiologist during the liquidation operations within the Carpathian Military District. The second honoree was Serhii Vashchuk (born 1961), a retired officer of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, who participated in decontamination activities with the 39th Chemical Defense Regiment of the same District.
Both men were presented with the crest of the city of Naples, a symbolic gesture of gratitude and recognition for their service and the immense personal risks they undertook to mitigate the disaster’s impact.
A Ceremony of Remembrance and Solidarity
The initiative, spearheaded by the Consulate General of Ukraine in Naples, was organized in collaboration with the Aps Dateci le Ali association. It served as a poignant moment of remembrance and acknowledgment for those who risked their lives to contain the consequences of the nuclear incident. This institutional gesture also underscored the strong ties between Naples and the Ukrainian community.
Councillor Santagada emphasized the city’s solidarity with the Ukrainian people, stating, “The city of Naples expresses its closeness to the Ukrainian people, not only in memory of the Chernobyl disaster’s anniversary but also for the more recent tragedy represented by the Russian invasion.”
He further reflected on the broader implications of the anniversary: “This anniversary calls us to a fundamental reflection: technology can improve people’s lives if used safely; it must therefore be governed responsibly and put at the service of humanity.”
New Threats and Continued Cooperation
Maksym Kovalenko, the Consul General of Ukraine, highlighted the contemporary relevance of the Chernobyl anniversary in light of current geopolitical challenges. “Forty years after the Chernobyl disaster, we find ourselves facing new threats related to the potential use of nuclear weapons,” Kovalenko noted. “This anniversary reminds us how necessary it is to remain united to protect the life and security of the European territory, especially in the face of Russian aggression.”
He also expressed gratitude to the city of Naples for its ongoing support and active collaboration with Ukrainian institutions, including current projects with Chernobyl’s Civil Protection to safeguard the area surrounding the power plant.
The event served as a powerful reminder of the human cost of technological disasters and the enduring spirit of those who confront them, while also drawing parallels to current global challenges and the importance of international cooperation.
