The message reads, in part:
“Thirty years ago, on April 26, 1986, the Chernobyl nuclear power plant suffered one of the worst and most dramatic industrial accidents in history.
Chernobyl taught a major lesson to humankind, and its repercussions still echo harshly, affecting the environment and human health. However, the scale of that tragedy could have been immeasurably greater, had it not been for the unprecedented courage and dedication of the firefighters, military personnel, experts and healthcare providers, all those who performed their professional and civic duty. Many of them sacrificed their own lives to save others.
By right we consider the relief workers who participated in the cleanup efforts following this terrible catastrophe real heroes and pay tribute to the sacred memory of those who died. We deeply appreciate the veterans’ efforts to support the families of their fallen coworkers and to continue their much needed public activities.”