A quiet wedding night in April 1986 turned into a life-altering moment for a young couple living near the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, as one of the worst disasters in history unfolded just a few kilometres away.
Iryna Stetsenko had just finished preparing for her wedding and was trying to sleep when unusual vibrations and noises filled the air. Nearby, her fiancé Serhiy Lobanov slept through what he initially thought might be a minor earthquake. Neither realized that reactor number four at the Chernobyl plant had exploded, releasing massive amounts of radioactive material.
The following morning, despite visible signs of disruption—soldiers in gas masks, streets being washed, and smoke rising from the plant—authorities provided little information. Life appeared to continue as normal, and the couple proceeded with their wedding as planned.
However, the atmosphere was tense. Guests sensed that something was wrong, even if details remained unclear. Their celebration lacked joy, overshadowed by uncertainty. Later that night, the couple was urged to evacuate urgently. With minimal belongings, they boarded a train, believing they would return in a few days. Instead, they never went back.
The disaster, caused by a failed safety test, released radiation levels far exceeding those of the Hiroshima bomb. Initial official reports were delayed, and the true scale of the catastrophe only became clear after radiation was detected abroad.
Thousands of workers, known as “liquidators,” were deployed to contain the damage, often under dangerous conditions with limited protection. Many suffered long-term health effects, though the full impact remains debated.
After evacuation, Iryna discovered she was pregnant. Despite fears about radiation exposure, she gave birth to a healthy daughter. Decades later, the family continues to reflect on the event’s lasting effects on their lives and health.
Today, the Chernobyl site remains under constant monitoring. A protective structure now covers the damaged reactor, though risks persist. The nearby city of Pripyat stands abandoned, a reminder of the disaster.
The couple, now living in Germany after fleeing conflict in Ukraine, say their shared experience strengthened their bond. What began under uncertainty has endured for decades, shaped by both tragedy and resilience.
About the author
Meta to cut 8,000 jobs amid AI push
Meta is preparing a major round of layoffs, with thousands of employees expected to lose their jobs next month as the company ramps up investment in artificial intelligence (AI). According to an internal memo shared with staff, the tech giant plans to cut about 10% of its workforce, representing roughly 8,000 positions. In addition, the company will halt recruitment for several thousand open roles, further reducing its overall headcount. This restructuring is largely driven by a sharp increase in spending on AI. Meta is expected to allocate around $135 billion to AI projects this year alone, an amount comparable to its total investment in the field over the past three years combined. The shift reflects the company’s ambition to accelerate development of advanced AI systems and remain competitive in the sector. The announcement follows earlier signals from CEO Mark Zuckerberg, […]
Everest route blocked by massive glacier
A massive block of glacier is currently obstructing the main climbing route on Mount Everest, raising concerns as the peak climbing season begins in Nepal. Positioned just below Camp 1, the ice formation—known as a serac—stands about 30 meters high and has proven impossible to bypass safely. Teams of “icefall doctors,” responsible for securing ropes and ladders along the route, say there is no viable alternative path for now. Their only option is to wait for the ice to naturally weaken and collapse, which they hope will happen within days. This unexpected obstacle has delayed preparations significantly. By this time of year, routes are typically secured up to Camp 3, but work has stalled roughly 600 meters below Camp 1. The delay could compress the already short climbing window, increasing the risk of overcrowding as climbers attempt to summit within […]
Trump sees UK royal visit boosting ties
US President Donald Trump has expressed optimism that the upcoming state visit by King Charles III and Queen Camilla could help strengthen ties between the United States and the United Kingdom. Speaking in a phone interview, Trump described the British monarch as “a fantastic man” and said the visit would have a positive impact on bilateral relations. The four-day trip, scheduled to begin next week, will include meetings at the White House and an address by the King to Congress. The visit comes at a time of visible tensions between Washington and London, particularly over the ongoing conflict involving Iran. Trump also commented on his relationship with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, suggesting the British leader could improve his standing if he adjusted his policies on immigration and energy. Starmer, however, has maintained that his decisions are guided by national […]
Lomé accueille le SIEF 2026 en juillet
Le Togo s’apprête à accueillir une nouvelle édition du Salon international de l’entrepreneuriat féminin (SIEF), prévue les 31 juillet et 1er août 2026 à Lomé. L’annonce a été faite lors d’une conférence de presse organisée le 22 avril, confirmant la volonté des promoteurs de renforcer l’autonomisation économique des femmes à l’échelle du continent. Porté par la Fondation citoyens d’Afrique et KD Group, l’événement se positionne comme une plateforme panafricaine dédiée à la formation, au réseautage et à la valorisation des initiatives portées par les femmes. Pour la promotrice Kayi Dogbé, le SIEF dépasse le cadre d’un simple salon, en s’inscrivant dans une dynamique de transformation durable de l’écosystème entrepreneurial féminin. L’édition 2026 sera centrée sur le thème du « risque entrepreneurial dans le contexte africain ». À travers ce fil conducteur, les organisateurs entendent renforcer les compétences des participantes, notamment […]
Togo lance des hubs technologiques régionaux
Le Togo prévoit la construction de six centres d’innovation technologique dans plusieurs préfectures, dans le cadre du Projet d’accélération numérique (PANT). Les infrastructures seront implantées à Tône, Kozah, Tchaoudjo, Ogou, Kloto et Zio, afin de renforcer l’écosystème numérique à l’échelle locale. Un appel à manifestation d’intérêt a été lancé pour recruter un cabinet chargé des études techniques, du contrôle et du suivi des travaux. Ces centres, appelés « Pods », auront pour mission de soutenir l’innovation et l’entrepreneuriat en dehors de la capitale. Chaque site intégrera des espaces dédiés à l’incubation, à la formation et à l’accompagnement de projets, avec l’objectif de favoriser l’émergence d’initiatives locales et de rapprocher les opportunités technologiques des populations. Le projet bénéficie de l’appui de la Banque mondiale, via l’Association internationale de développement (IDA), et s’inscrit dans la stratégie nationale de transformation numérique du pays. […]
Togo et Canada renforcent leur coopération
Le Président du Conseil, Faure Gnassingbé, a reçu récemment à Lomé la Haute Commissaire du Canada au Togo, Myriam Montrat. Cette rencontre s’inscrit dans le cadre du renforcement des relations diplomatiques et économiques entre le Togo et le Canada, selon Le Messager. L’échange entre les deux personnalités intervient dans un contexte de consolidation des partenariats stratégiques du Togo avec ses partenaires internationaux. Lomé multiplie en effet les initiatives dans les domaines de la sécurité, de la gouvernance et du développement économique, afin de soutenir ses priorités nationales. De son côté, le Canada maintient une présence active sur le continent africain à travers sa coopération au développement, son engagement dans les instances multilatérales et les liens culturels portés notamment par une importante diaspora africaine. Ces éléments contribuent à renforcer les passerelles entre Ottawa et les pays africains. Acteur majeur du G7, […]
Related
Everest route blocked by massive glacier
A massive block of glacier is currently obstructing the main climbing route on Mount Everest, raising concerns as the peak climbing season begins in Nepal. Positioned just below Camp 1, the ice formation—known as a serac—stands about 30 meters high and has proven impossible to bypass safely. Teams of “icefall doctors,” responsible for securing ropes and ladders along the route, say there is no viable alternative path for now. Their only option is to wait for the ice to naturally weaken and collapse, which they hope will happen within days. This unexpected obstacle has delayed preparations significantly. By this time of year, routes are typically secured up to Camp 3, but work has stalled roughly 600 meters below Camp 1. The delay could compress the already short climbing window, increasing the risk of overcrowding as climbers attempt to summit within […]
Trump sees UK royal visit boosting ties
US President Donald Trump has expressed optimism that the upcoming state visit by King Charles III and Queen Camilla could help strengthen ties between the United States and the United Kingdom. Speaking in a phone interview, Trump described the British monarch as “a fantastic man” and said the visit would have a positive impact on bilateral relations. The four-day trip, scheduled to begin next week, will include meetings at the White House and an address by the King to Congress. The visit comes at a time of visible tensions between Washington and London, particularly over the ongoing conflict involving Iran. Trump also commented on his relationship with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, suggesting the British leader could improve his standing if he adjusted his policies on immigration and energy. Starmer, however, has maintained that his decisions are guided by national […]
Trump orders US Navy to destroy boats laying mines in Hormuz
President Donald Trump on Thursday ordered the United States Navy to destroy any boats found laying sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz, escalating pressure on Iran over control of the vital waterway. “I have ordered the United States Navy to shoot and kill any boat, small boats though they may be… that is putting mines in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump wrote in a post cited by U.S. media. He added that there should be “no hesitation” in carrying out the directive. Trump also said U.S. mine‑sweeping operations were already under way. “Additionally, our mine ‘sweepers’ are clearing the Strait right now,” he stated, underscoring Washington’s determination to keep the strategic chokepoint open to international shipping. The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Gulf to global markets, is one of the world’s most important energy corridors, […]
Iran tightens grip on Strait of Hormuz as US blocks ships and ceasefire talks stall
Iran has tightened its control over the Strait of Hormuz by seizing two commercial vessels, just as the United States pauses new strikes but keeps a naval blockade in place and peace talks remain in limbo. The move came after U.S. President Donald Trump said he was indefinitely suspending renewed military attacks on Iran and extending a shaky ceasefire so Washington could study an Iranian proposal to end the two month old conflict. However, Tehran has not confirmed any formal extension of the truce and has denounced the ongoing blockade of its maritime trade as an act of war. Iran’s chief negotiator and parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said a full ceasefire would only be possible if the U.S. lifted its naval blockade and allowed normal traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route that previously carried around one […]
Deadly shooting shocks Mexico’s Teotihuacán site
Mexican authorities are investigating a deadly shooting at one of the country’s most iconic tourist sites, the Teotihuacán complex, where a gunman opened fire on visitors before taking his own life. The attack unfolded on Monday morning at the Pyramid of the Moon, a major landmark within the ancient site. Video footage shows the assailant firing at tourists, causing panic as visitors scrambled for safety among the historic structures. A 32-year-old Canadian woman was killed in the incident, while several others from countries including Russia, Colombia and Brazil were injured and treated in nearby hospitals. The gunman, identified as Julio César Jasso Ramírez, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. According to investigators, the attacker acted alone, with no evidence linking the incident to organized crime groups such as the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Authorities described the act as premeditated, noting […]
Ukraine resumes oil transit, unlocking EU loan
Ukraine has resumed the transit of Russian oil through a key pipeline supplying Hungary and Slovakia, ending a months-long standoff that had delayed crucial European Union financial support for Kyiv. Shortly after the restart, EU ambassadors meeting in Brussels gave preliminary approval to a €90bn loan package for Ukraine, along with a new round of sanctions targeting Russia. Final approval is expected imminently. The funding, initially agreed in December, had been blocked by Viktor Orbán in February. His veto came after oil flows were disrupted due to damage caused by Russian strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure. Budapest had insisted that supplies be restored before any financial support could proceed. Ukrainian authorities confirmed that repairs had been completed and pumping resumed, with oil expected to reach Slovakia and Hungary within days. The pipeline in question is part of the Druzhba pipeline, a […]
Be the first to leave a comment