Ambassador Oleksiy Gavrysh participated in a commemorative event marking the 40 years after the Chornobyl nuclear disaster, organized by the Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (DSA).

In his address, the Ambassador reflected on the enduring lessons of the Chornobyl tragedy and their relevance in today’s security environment.

“Chornobyl taught us a lesson that the passing decades have only reinforced: a catastrophe cannot be silenced, and evil cannot be ignored. When the atom broke chain in 1986, the initial response was an attempt to conceal the truth. Yet radiation knows no borders, and neither does the human conscience. The truth inevitably radiates outward. Ignoring a threat does not diminish it - it only allows it to grow,” the Ambassador emphasized.

Oleksiy Gavrysh paid tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the first responders of Chornobyl and also drew attention to the ongoing risks associated with the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.

Drawing parallels between past and present challenges, Oleksiy Gavrysh stressed that Ukraine continues to confront grave threats, now not only nuclear, but also military.

“We stood our ground then against an invisible enemy. We will stand our ground now against a very real one. In 1986, the disaster was the result of technological failure and a system built on lies. In 2026, Ukraine faces a deliberate, human-led invasion. Yet the spirit of Ukrainian defenders remains unchanged,” he stated.

Expressing gratitude for Norway’s steadfast support, the Ambassador underlined the importance of solidarity in times of crisis.

Among other speakers at the event were State Secretary at the Ministry of Health and Care Services Usman Mushtaq, Director General of the Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority Per Strand and Director General of the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant Serhii Tarakanov.

The event also featured presentations on the impact of the Chornobyl accident on Norway, current nuclear risk assessments and preparedness measures, response strategies in the event of nuclear incidents, and a comparison of crisis communication in 1986 and today.