Chernobyl sculpture unveiled in Cork as world warned never to forget lessons of the 1986 disaster Cork unveiled a special sculpture to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear tragedy as campaigners warned that its stark lessons for humanity must never be forgotten. The ‘Chernobyl Mother’ statue was unveiled at Marina Park in Cork city on April 20, 2026, marking four decades since the world’s worst nuclear disaster. The ceremony brought together civic leaders, survivors, families and long-standing volunteers who have supported the Chornobyl Children International (CCI) response to the nuclear accident. Chief executive of Chernobyl Children International, Adi Roche, speaking at the unveiling, said those impacted by the 1986 disaster must never be forgotten. “The ’Chernobyl Mother’ gives form to memory and compassion. It ensures that the voices and experiences of those affected are neither forgotten nor overlooked,” she said. “This anniversary is not just a memorial for a disaster – it is a celebration of a miraculous Irish intervention,” Roche added. “We took a tragedy that occurred thousands of miles away and made its victims our own. We proved that while radiation lingers for centuries, and Chernobyl is forever, but the half-life of Irish kindness is infinite.” Krystina Nikityonik (26) was raised in Belarus in the wake of the tragedy and revealed that the kindness of Irish people changed her life. Given that of the environmental damage caused by the nuclear accident, Krystina was born with disabilities and was placed in an orphanage. However, she was supported by CCI who arranged for her to have life-altering surgeries in Ireland. Krystina now works as a social media content creator and said she owes the life she lives to CCI and the kindness of Irish people. “They fought for my right to live my life – they treated me as a human being. They did not only heal my body…they gave me love and dignity.” CCI even arranged a foster family for Krystina so she could leave the orphanage. The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Fergal Dennehy, said Cork City Council was delighted to facilitate the installation of the sculpture through their partnership with the Cork-based charity. “It’s positioning here, in the peace and tranquillity of the regenerated Atlantic Pond, stands as a powerful symbol of hope.” As well as remembering the countless lives lost and touched by the 1986 nuclear disaster, speakers reflected on the countless lives touched and transformed by Adi Roche and her charity, Chornobyl Children International, and its army of volunteers and supporters. The charity has delivered €110m worth of aid to affected regions. “Her vision has brought light into the darkest of circumstances, and Cork is immensely proud to stand with her and with all who continue this vital mission,” Dennehy said. At 1.23am on April 26, 1986, a chain reaction at the Chornobyl Power Plant in northern Ukraine caused an explosion that led to the world’s first level-seven meltdown and the most catastrophic nuclear event in history. Over the following hours and days, it released radiation estimated to be 400 times greater than that of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945. “It is not a historic event, even though it’s like reading ancient history for people. It is yesterday. It is today. And unfortunately and sadly, it is forever,” Roche said. “While the world may have largely forgotten it and the plight of those it continues to affect, I have not.”
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