Krasnodar opens monument to Chernobyl liquidators

The Krasnodar Territory held events to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Chernobyl accident. The territorial capital marked the mournful date with opening of a monument to liquidators of the accident at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant (NPP).

The monument created by the Krasnodar sculptor Vladimir Zolotukhin is a seven-meter-high bronze composition of three figures, representing people working towards liquidation of implications of the Chernobyl accident. They shield the globe enveloped in flames with their bodies.

Twelve thousand residents of the territory took part in liquidation; about 3000 of them have died; 3500 became invalids; 1436 persons were decorated with the Order of Courage.

On the eve of the 25th anniversary of the Chernobyl accident, this Order was brought from Moscow by Alexei Ovsyannikov, a resident of Labinsk, Krasnodar Territory. The Order was served to him by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.

A quarter of century ago Alexei Ovsyannikov, who was taking his army service in chemical troops in Belarus, was sent to Chernobyl.

"I'm happy to receive such a high award from Dmitry Medvedev," - said Alexei Ovsyannikov. "On the day of the 25th anniversary of the NPP disaster I recollect all those with whom I worked in Chernobyl and grieve about the deceased."

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that actions in commemoration of the victims of the Chernobyl tragedy took place in other regions of Southern Russia. Thus, a traditional rally took place in Maikop, the capital of Adygea, near the memorial complex to liquidators of the Chernobyl disaster.