Yabloko stands for reduction of nuclear risks in Russia and in the world!
The 26 of April is Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the Chernobyl Tragedy and Other Radiation Disasters
Statement by the Yabloko party, 26.04.2024
Photo by istockphoto.com
Due to the explosion of the RBMK-1000 reactor at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant 38 years ago, hundreds of thousands of square kilometers of the former Soviet Union and other countries were contaminated with hazardous materials. As a result, people had to be completely relocated from a significant number of settlements. Millions of people were exposed to radiation. The affected areas have not yet been properly rehabilitated. We also have to note that there are 7 RBMK-1000 power units with an extended service life in Russia today.
- Risks associated with military actions
Events related to the military operation in Europe are of particular concern. The ongoing conflict poses the threat of a nuclear catastrophe, the consequences of which could be disastrous for the entire continent – military actions threaten damage to nuclear reactors of nuclear power plants and other nuclear hazardous facilities. For example, there are dozens of power units along the shores of the Baltic Sea, where gas pipelines were blown up. The nuclear and radiation safety of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Station is of particular concern.
- Radioactive waste
All the waste accumulated during the atomic age is left as a legacy to future generations. For thousands and millions of years, people will have to figure out what to do with radioactive waste. In the meantime, Rosatom proposes to “bury them and forget them” – near Krasnoyarsk, next to the Yenisei – one of the largest rivers in Russia.
Yabloko confirms that it has always been categorically against the imports of spent nuclear fuel into Russia from other states and continues to defend this position. We consider this a threat to the safety of Russian residents, especially residents of the [imports] final destinations, the Chelyabinsk region and the Krasnoyarsk Territory. We are also against the imports of “uranium tailings” (depleted uranium hexafluoride).
- Persecution of anti-nuclear activists
In different regions of Russia, anti-nuclear activists are persecuted. Many non-governmental organisations opposing dangerous nuclear projects have been designated as “foreign agents” and closed. Leaders of some organisations left Russia under pressure.
There are no safe technologies for producing nuclear energy in the modern world. The Yabloko party states that Russia must move from the construction of new nuclear facilities to the active development of alternative (renewable) energy.
The Yabloko party declares that oblivion of the problems generated by the “nuclear romanticism” of Soviet times, irresponsible in relation to future generations, is immoral and criminal for modern politicians.
The state must make efforts for the environmental rehabilitation of Russian territories contaminated with radionuclides. Russian citizens and their descendants affected by the Chernobyl and other disasters must receive adequate assistance and support from the state to maintain health and a decent living standards. The pressure on civilian anti-nuclear activists must stop. The state is obliged to truly ensure the right of every Russian citizen to nuclear and radiation safety.
Nikolai Rybakov,
Yabloko Chairman
Olga Tsepilova,
Head of the Yabloko Green Russia Faction
Posted: May 13th, 2024 under Economy, Environmental Policies, Governance, Human Rights, Protection of Environment, Russian Economy, YABLOKO for Nuclear Safety.