As the 11th marks the 13th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake, people in wartime Ukraine are also paying close attention to the disaster-stricken areas.
I am Serhiy Kireev, director of a government research institute located about 12 kilometers from the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in northern Ukraine.
Based on my experience in responding to the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident that occurred in 1986 during the Soviet era, I offered cooperation to the Japanese side when the accident occurred at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, and I carried out activities such as observing the state of contamination by radioactive materials. We have supported
In addition to frequently visiting Japan and touring the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant and sharing knowledge from the Ukrainian side, we are also conducting environmental surveys around the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in collaboration with Fukushima University and other organizations, and researching the recovery of areas affected by the nuclear accident.
Prior to the 11th, Kireev held a moment of silence in front of a monument erected by officials from both countries near the institute, saying, ``We must remember what Fukushima and Ukraine went through, and hope that when the disaster victims from both countries are able to return to their homes.'' I hope that this will happen, and I would like to work together with my colleagues in Japan to make it happen as soon as possible."
As Russia's military invasion of Ukraine continued, the research institute was temporarily occupied, and computers, dosimeters, and other items were destroyed or stolen.
Despite this, Kireev was able to resume research thanks to the provision of equipment from the Japanese side, and said, ``Japan was one of the first countries to provide support, and I am grateful to him,'' even though the military invasion continued. I renewed my determination to continue my research.