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Iconic Moments in Foreign Policy: Chernobyl

chernobyl
chernobyl

The disastrous meltdown in the 4th reactor of the Chernobyl (Chornobyl) Atomic Electrical Station occurred on April 26th, 1986. The explosion, which took place in the Kyiv region of Ukraine, led to several immediate deaths and injuries as well as later contamination from widespread and long-lasting radiation levels in the surrounding areas. The government, who failed to inform the public of the true scope of radiation damage for years after the accident, took several steps to identify possible affected populations and reduce the contamination.

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Congressional Relations

The Wilson Center’s office of Congressional Relations works to maintain a vibrant relationship with Members of Congress and their staffs. We organize and run a series of educational programs led by Wilson Center experts, ranging from seminars to private briefings, with the purpose of increasing congressional staffers’ knowledge of foreign policy. We also coordinate outreach to Capitol Hill, including testimonies by Wilson Center scholars and briefings specifically for Members of Congress.  Read more