Iryna Bilyk Opens Up About Chernobyl for the First Time: How Her Family Saved Her and the Tragic Price Her Uncle Paid

Iryna Bilyk Reflects on the Chernobyl Disaster

According to Главком: On April 26, 2026, marking the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear plant explosion, Ukraine’s People’s Artist Iryna Bilyk shared personal memories of how her family endured the catastrophe’s first days. At the time of the accident on April 26, 1986, she was just 16 years old. She recalls that the day after the blast, her parents sent her and her brother to relatives in Kherson-a decision that ultimately prevented her from taking her final school exams.

The Importance of Remembering Chernobyl

Bilyk noted that she and her classmate Anya were the only students from their school in Kyiv to be evacuated.

'I am still grateful to my aunt, who took in my brother and me in Kherson just one day after the tragedy. I never took my school exams. Only the two of us-me and my classmate Anya-were taken out of Kyiv by our parents. People even mocked us, saying we had run away,' the singer recounted.

She also spoke about her uncle, who worked at the Chernobyl plant after the disaster:

'My own uncle worked there. And I remember how, over time, he could no longer get up, his legs gave out ... and then he was gone.'

These memories serve as a stark reminder of the disaster’s lasting toll on human lives.

In her remarks, Bilyk stressed the need to keep the memory of Chernobyl alive: 'Today is a day of remembrance for Chernobyl. A day of pain, loss, and gratitude. To everyone who saved lives during that terrible time. To all the heroes who protected others at the cost of their own lives. We remember. And we will always remember.' Her words stand as a powerful tribute to both the tragedy and the courage shown in its aftermath.

The 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster highlights its enduring impact on Ukraine and its people. Iryna Bilyk’s story reflects not only personal grief but also the collective memory of a nation-a memory that remains deeply relevant today. Chernobyl served as a critical global lesson about the dangers of nuclear energy and the urgent need for stricter safety measures in the industry.

As we reflect on Iryna Bilyk's poignant memories of the Chernobyl disaster, it's essential to also recognize the bravery of those who faced the crisis head-on. On this significant anniversary, Ukraine pays tribute to the liquidators who played a critical role in containing the disaster. Their sacrifices and dedication are a vital part of the Chernobyl narrative, underscoring the human cost of the tragedy. To learn more about how Ukraine honors these heroes, visit the commemoration of the liquidators.