A creative memorial and calls for sanctions drew Ukrainian diaspora and supporters to Warsaw, urging Europe to cut ties with Rosatom now.
In Warsaw on April 26, a solidarity action took place dedicated to the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster and drawing attention to the ongoing nuclear threats from Russia.
The event was organized by the public initiative Euromaidan-Warszawa in cooperation with the ICUV (International Centre for Ukrainian Victory) and UAnimals; the organizers said the event brought together activists, members of the Ukrainian community, and friends of Ukraine.
According to the organizers, the event was both a day of remembrance and a call to action. Participants honored the victims of the 1986 disaster and drew attention to the current risks associated with Russia’s occupation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant – the largest nuclear facility in Europe.
“Chernobyl showed that the consequences of nuclear disasters are shared by all. Today we have no right to allow a repetition of history – especially when the nuclear threat is used as a deliberate instrument of war”
– Nadiya Yarema
Participants emphasized that the threats extend beyond Ukraine and pose a serious danger to European and global security. One of the main demands of the action was the imposition of full sanctions on the state nuclear corporation Rosatom, which remains integrated into the European energy market.
The program of the event included a symbolic installation of silhouettes of people and animals – a creative reminder of those who suffered from nuclear disasters in the past and remain at risk today. Through this artistic form, participants emphasized the universal nature of nuclear harm.
The action became a platform for civil advocacy: the organizers urged European institutions and governments to stop funding the Russian nuclear sector, emphasizing that further economic cooperation with Rosatom effectively supports the conduct of war.
The event also stressed that, as in 1986, the consequences of inaction can be irreversible. The decisions being made today – political, economic, and social – will determine whether the world raises the level of security or repeats the tragic mistakes of the past.
The Euromaidan-Warszawa initiative emphasizes that solidarity, active civic pressure, and sustained advocacy remain key tools in countering nuclear threats and supporting Ukraine in its fight for security and freedom.
Key Messages of the Event and Next Steps
Participants stressed the need to strengthen international accountability and pressure from Europe regarding the nuclear risks associated with Russia’s aggression. The organizers highlighted the importance of civic engagement and close collaboration with European institutions to reduce Rosatom’s influence on the European continent’s energy sector.
Overall, the Warsaw event affirmed the importance of solidarity between the Ukrainian diaspora and European partners in the struggle for security, peace, and stability on the continent. Active civil engagement and systematic advocacy remain important tools in countering nuclear threats and supporting Ukraine on its path toward security and freedom.