A tragic event unfolded in Kyiv on November 14, when Russian drone attacks injured approximately 50 people. One of the victims, 73-year-old Natalia Khodymchuk, succumbed to her injuries after sustaining severe burns to 45% of her body.
Chernobyl Victim’s Widow and Her Legacy
Natalia was the widow of Valery Khodymchuk, who was a victim of the catastrophic Chernobyl disaster on April 26, 1986. At the time of the explosion at reactor number four, Valery heroically stayed to help until the very end, a testament to his dedication. Despite the ongoing dangers, his remains were never recovered, and he is honored as Chernobyl’s first official victim. Both Soviet and Ukrainian awards recognized his sacrifice.
The Fallout of Chernobyl
Following the disaster, Natalia left the exclusion zone with her children. They resettled in a new, 18-story building in Kyiv, ironically located near another power station. Initially, many believed that families like hers were isolated to minimize the spread of radiation sickness.
- Location: Kyiv, Ukraine
- Date of Chernobyl disaster: April 26, 1986
- Date of Natalia’s death: November 14, 2023
Despite official claims of a contained incident, the fallout from Chernobyl affected even areas like Kyiv. Authorities advised against attending public events due to radiation concerns. Over the years, Natalia continued to honor her husband, visiting his symbolic burial site each year until travel became impossible due to ongoing conflicts.
A Life in Remembrance
The couple met at the Chernobyl power plant, where their romance blossomed amid routine work life. Natalia fondly recalled moments with Valery, detailing their humble beginnings and his proposal. They eventually were assigned an apartment in Pripyat, where Chernobyl workers resided before the town’s abandonment.
In her final days, Natalia’s family and friends, including members of the Chernobyl veterans’ organization, visited her in the hospital. Even while battling her injuries, she remained steadfast in sharing Valery’s story, emphasizing the importance of remembering his legacy.
Bravery in Adversity
Among the residents where the attack occurred was Oleksiy Ananenko, a Hero of Ukraine and one of the three men who prevented a potentially devastating second explosion at Chernobyl. His bravery, along with that of many others, prevented catastrophic consequences for Europe.
The legacy of Valery and Natalia Khodymchuk exemplifies the ongoing fight against the shadows of Chernobyl and the current struggles faced by its survivors in the wake of continuing conflicts. The heartfelt memories and resilience of the victims continue to echo through the generations.
