Ukraine has introduced a new award for Chernobyl accident responders

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree establishing a new state award—the “For Participation in the Cleanup of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant Accident” medal. 

The head of state signed the corresponding decree No. 323/2026 on April 20

The award will be presented to Ukrainian citizens who directly participated in the cleanup of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident. Posthumous awards are not provided for.

The award takes the form of a round medal with a diameter of 32 mm made of yellow metal.

The obverse features a radiation hazard symbol against the backdrop of the globe and the Chernobyl NPP’s Unit 4. Around the edge is the inscription: “To the Saviors of the World from a Nuclear Catastrophe.”

On the reverse side is the inscription “For participation in the cleanup of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident,” framed by a laurel wreath.

The award is attached to a ribbon with colored stripes and accompanied by a certificate of the established form. The presentation will take place in a solemn setting—by the president or authorized officials.

Earlier, Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed decrees No. 317/2026 and No. 318/2026 on awarding state honors to over 1,000 Ukrainian servicemen, some of whom received the awards posthumously.

Zelenskyy has establishedscholarships for the children of deceased journalists.

Zelenskyyhonored 34 Ukrainians on Volunteer Day.

Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy honored 362 military personnel with state awards, 176 of them posthumously. The awards were granted for courage, dedication, and the defense of the country’s sovereignty. Among the honors were orders, medals, and the “Cross of Military Merit.”