Lukashenko announces plans to take stock of Chernobyl programs

Friday, 25.04.2025 - 17:35

 

I intend to comprehensively analyze the results of the programs to revive the territories affected by the Chernobyl disaster, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he received a report on the development of the districts of Gomel Oblast affected by the Chernobyl accident on 25 April, BelTA has learned.

 

Participating in the meeting were Head of the Belarus President Administration Dmitry Krutoi, Chairman of the State Control Committee of Belarus Vasily Gerasimov, Deputy Prime Minister Anatoly Sivak, Chairman of the Gomel Obalst Executive Committee Ivan Krupko, Emergencies Minister Vadim Sinyavsky, Aide to the President, Inspector for Gomel Oblast Ruslan Parkhamovich, and Chairman of the Standing Commission on Legislation and State Building of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus Mikhail Rusy.

The meeting focused on the support measures, environmental programs, and social and economic initiatives for residents of Gomel Oblast affected by the Chernobyl disaster.

The president recalled that 2026 will mark 40 years since the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident. This is a significant date for Belarus. Although the country had no involvement either the construction of the nuclear power plant, its operation or the reasons that led to its explosion, yet it suffered the worst. "The tragedy hit Belarus and its people harder than anyone else," Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized.

 

 

The head of state recalled that the first ten years since the accident were a time of uncertainty and fear-mongering. “I remember it well. When I was still MP, I traveled to these districts to learn what was happening there. Ten years of confusion. Some people were evicted, resettled. Something was built; something was done. Then we came back to our senses and realized that there was no other land or other country for Belarusians. We realized that we had to think how to live on these lands. We adopted a number of programs. We called them Chernobyl programs,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
 
At that time, there was no certainty about the measures being taken, as the country had no experience in overcoming such catastrophes, the president remarked. According to him, it would be unfair to blame those who took the initial steps to address the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster. There was insufficient knowledge about the effects of low radiation doses on the human body. "We did not know exactly what it was. Atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki had wide-ranging consequences, such as shockwaves, high temperatures, and high doses of radiation. So the mankind had some relevant experience. But our case was a first-one; we had no experience at all. We were guided by the main idea: not to make things worse," the head of state explained.

 

“It was unclear whether we did it right or not. 30 years ago I said that time would put everything in its place, and we would learn whether we did the right thing or not. Today we can draw certain conclusions. If we had not dealt with this problem or, even worse, if we had dealt with it the way we did in the first ten years, Belarus would not exist today. It would be a deserted place today,” the president said.  

After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Belarus essentially dealt with the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster on its own, receiving no financial aid. The country had allocated significant resources for the recovery and development of the affected regions. "We invested an enormous amount of funds. We allocated Br5 billion over the past 10 years. Those were busy years. We did a lot, we took unpopular steps. We did not give meager financial handouts (although it was customary back then and someone wanted this money). Instead we concentrated on the projects that were important for people: we built housing, clean water, sewerage and drainage systems, extended gas supply networks and so on. A lot has been done during this time. The time has shown that the policy was absolutely right and correct,” Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized.

 

Therefore, it makes sense to summarize the results by the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl accident in 2026, the head of state said. “Forty years is a period of time after all. We will discuss this topic seriously next year,” the president promised.

 

 

In the meantime, the head of state asked the officials about the situation in the affected regions and noted that he plans to visit the so-called Chernobyl areas soon. Speaking about the future development of these territories, the president suggested changing some approaches. First of all, it applies to financing issues. It is important to encourage more independence and initiative and to discourage dependency attitudes.

 

 

“How can we help? Is help needed or probably not? If not then it makes sense not to intervene. It is important to encourage them, especially the eastern regions, including (and maybe first of all) Gomel Oblast, to rely on their own strengths. We should live within our means and earn money ourselves,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

 

“I emphasize once again: we will not give handouts,” the head of state continued, stressing that the funding will be used for certain projects and purposes. “If Krupko [Ivan Krupko, Chairman of the Gomel Oblast Executive Committee] needs to have something built, we will help him,” the president explained.

Anatoly Sivak reported that at the beginning of this year there were 2,016 settlements in the radioactive contamination zones spanning five regions of Belarus, with a population of more than 930,000 people, including 181,000 children under 17.  

In this regard, the head of state voiced critical remarks pointing out the inconsistency of the statistics. “What have we been doing for 30 years if we have 900,000 people living in the contaminated areas?” the president remarked. The head of state instructed to look into the issue of categorizing the territories as affected or contaminated and decide whether it still makes sense doing it, taking into account all the measures taken.

Aleksandr Lukashenko said that he had visited those regions many times and spoke about the need to resume agriculture wherever possible. “Why are you still citing figures from 40 years ago? The statistics need to be updated. You need to provide reliable information. People need to be taken care of. No one should live in the contaminated area,” the president emphasized. According to the head of state, Belarus has already achieved certain progress in reviving the affected areas and resuming agriculture there. “I need similar results. I want to know what we have achieved so far,” he said.

 

 

"Things need to be streamlined. We need to find out if certain areas are still not safe to live in. We should prioritize the well-being of people. If it is not possible to live there yet, let’s develop these areas, step by step, until we become certain that they are safe," the president stated.

 

 

Anatoly Sivak agreed that the criteria for classifying lands as contaminated require additional detailed analysis. This issue will receive special attention at the governmental level in the near future. He noted that people are also interested in restoring regions considered affected and in reviving life there. For instance, in Narovlya District there is a high demand for land plots.

 

 

Anatoly Sivak stressed that Belarus has already implemented five so-called Chernobyl programs, allocating approximately $20 billion. According to estimates, about Br2.5 billion will be required to implement such programs in the next five years. The state continues to uphold its obligations to protect people, ensure radiation safety, and, most critically, accelerate social and economic development and revival of the territories contaminated by radionuclides.

 

According to Anatoly Sivak, in 2024 Belarus earmarked Br701 million for the development of the contaminated areas, Br217 million to pay benefits and compensations, and Br57 million for free meals for students. Last year, about 85,000 children went on health recuperation holidays. The country also designates funds to restore and reclaim lands. The Polesie State Radiation and Ecology Reserve reported a 40% increase in the output in 2024 over 2023. The reserve manufactures a wide range of goods, such as honey and forest products which enjoy high demand in the market. It also provides tourism services.

 

 

 

Międzynarodowe Radio Białoruś

Радио "Беларусь" / Radio Belarus
 
Internet broadcasts
Now Playing:
09.40 Minsk und die Minsker (DE)

Next:
10.00 Nachrichten (DE)


Internetcast Schedule
Satellite Schedule (see satellite parameters here)
 
COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS


Dear
English Service
Radio Belarus,

Greetings to all staff and listeners of English Service of Radio Belarus.
We listen your webcast program. Your program quality is very nice. Your website is colorful & documented.
We liked your programs, News, and Current Affairs Program. We are interested about Culture, life style of Belarusian people, historical places, Tourist attraction and destination of Belarus.
Please send some program schedule (A19), Calendar , sticker, view card, Promotional items of Radio Belarus for our club members and students.
21st June was fifth International Yoga Day observed across the world. The theme for Yoga Day 2019 was "Yoga for Climate Action”. On this day, which is dedicated to inner and outer well-being of human body, people across the world practice yoga in groups. The International Day of Yoga aims to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practicing yoga, a physical, mental and spiritual practice.
We send you some photos related the program which was held in our area on the occasion of International Yoga Day. Our club members are also practice some Yoga.
We are waiting for your reply.

With best wishes,
SHIVENDU PAUL
PRESIDENT
METALI LISTENERS' CLUB
INDIA

Answer:

Dear Shivendu Paul and Metali Listeners' Club,

dthank you for your comment! We'll send you some of our souvenirs ASAP.
Stay tuned and 73,
RBI

Hallo Radio Belarus,

ja der Dieter Leupold ist jetzt auch hier im Gästebuch vertreten... Super, bald sind wir alle zusammen hier im "Belarus Hörerclub", Dieter könnte 1.Vorsitzender werden und Jana und Elena Ehrernmitglieder, Helmut Matt Schriftführer, Alfred Albrecht Beisitzer und ich mache Hausmeister:-) Lutz Winkler wie fit bist Du bereits wieder, für Dich finden wir auch eine nette Aufgabe:-) Beste Grüße und ein schönes Wochenende.

Dietmar

Answer:

Lieber Dietmar,

das stimmt, für alle finden wir im Hörerklub eine Aufgabe!:)
Liebe Grüße und einen guten Start in die Woche!

I recently learned my surname is not Polish, but Belarusian. I heard you on shortwave in the past and am so happy to listen online in English. We hear nothing about Belarus here in the US so I am so glad to learn about your country. Keep on broadcasting in English. I also joined the Hoererklub on Facebook as I can understand German. If you have information or a station pennant, I will very much appreciate it.
Sheryl Paszkiewicz, 1015 Green St, Manitowoc WI 54220 USA

Answer:

Dear Sheryl, thank you very much for listening to us! We'll send you some of our souvenirs as soon as we can. By the way, if you're interested, you can participate in our "The Old Country's Loving Call" project and send a greeting to Belarus. You can find more detailed information at http://www.radiobelarus.by/en/content/hukaje_eng

Also, in case you like sports, here's the link to an international competition of ours "My Greetings to 2nd European Games" http://www.radiobelarus.by/en/content/games_eng

73 from the entire staff of RBI! Прывiтанне з Малой Радiзмы :)

Hello from Birmingham United Kingdom!

My name is Michael.

I really enjoyed listening to your program on the Hotbird satellite 13e. I very much love listening to your news and current affairs.
Ask you to send me a small gifts. I hope you guys are all good.

Lots of love from UK

Especially enjoying learning about Belarus. History and culture

Michael Rogers

Flat 2 463 City road Birmingham

B17 8LG

United Kingdom

Answer:

Michael,

thank you very much for listening to us! We're glad that you enjoy our programs. We'll send you some of our souvenirs as soon as we can. Best regards and stay tuned!

Hello. I am a new listener to your English service. I listen on the Radio 1 News app. I enjoyed listening to the news. Do you have any information on shortwave broadcasts you can send me?

Thank you,

Joe Cosimo

23 Ivy Ln, Dupont, PA 18641 U.S.A.

Answer:

Dear Joe, thank you for listening to Radio Belarus International! We're glad that you enjoyed our news. RBI broadcasts on shortwave only in German on 6005 and 3985 kHz. News and programs in English are available via our website and satellites. We'll also send you a postcard and a small souvenir as soon as we can. 73!

Hello,

My name is Younes Lazazi, I am from Algeria.
I am very happy that radio Belarus has started broadcasting in Arabic.
I would like to receive stickers and printed matter of the station and the Arabic and french services if possible.
My address:

Monsieur Younes Lazazi 14 rue Maza Boualem El-Harrach 16009 Alger Algérie

Thank you.

Answer:

Dear Younes Lazazi,

we're happy that you like our boradcasts. We'll send you some of our printed materials via mail in the nearest future. 73!

Dear English Service Radio Belarus,

Greetings to all staff and listeners of English Service of Radio Belarus. We listen your webcast program. Your program quality is very nice. Your website is colorful & documented. We liked your programs, News, and Current Affairs Program. We are interested about Culture, life style of Belarusian people, historical places, Tourist attraction and destination of Belarus.

Please send some program schedule, sticker, view card, Promotional items of Radio Belarus for our club members and students.

We are waiting for your reply.

With best wishes,

SHIVENDU PAUL

President

Metali Listeners' Club

India

Answer:

Dear Shivendu Paul,

thank you very much for listening to us! Your club is among our most dedicated listeners. We will send you some of our promotional products as soon as possible. 73!

Hello!

Did the arabic programmes start? I don't see them on your Internetcast schedule page. Thanks!

Answer:

Hello! The Arabic programmes have been on air since October, every Monday. You can see the schedule and listen to them on our Arabic page http://radiobelarus.by/ar

Frequencies
 

FM transmitters and frequencies:

Rakitnitsa - 106.2 MHz
Hrodna - 95.7 MHz
Svislach - 104.4 MHz
Heraniony - 99.9 MHz
Braslau - 106.6 MHz
Miadzel - 102.0 MHz


Satellite broadcasting:

see satellite parameters here

 

Broadcasts
 

Daily News Review 25.4.25
Download:
audio/mpeg iconDaily News Review 25.4.25