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The Legacy of Chornobyl: Health and Safety 20 Years Later

Members

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Hon. Sam Brownback

Chairman

Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe

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Hon. Chris Smith

Co-Chairman

Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe

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Hon. Benjamin Cardin

Ranking Member

Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe

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Hon. Hillary Clinton

Commissioner

Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe

Witnesses

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H.E. Oleh Shamshur

Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States

Embassy of Ukraine

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Hon. Stephen G. Rademaker

Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation

Department of State

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David Marples

Professor of History and Director of Stasiuk Program on Contemporary Ukraine at Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies

University of Alberta

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Dr. Pablo Rubinstein

Director of National Cord Blood Program

New York Blood Center

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Kathleen Ryan

Executive Director, United States

Chernobyl Children’s Project International

This hearing, chaired by Sen. Sam Brownback and Rep. Chris Smith marked the 20th anniversary of the nuclear disaster in Chornobyl, Ukraine. This is not only significant because of the long-term effects that the catastrophe had in the area, but also because of the circumstances under which it took place. More specifically, as Smith did not fail to point out at the hearing’s start, the explosion took place under the veil of secrecy brought to the world by the Soviet Union. The nuclear reactor at the Chornobyl site was part and parcel of U.S.S.R. property, so the Soviet Union was able to conceal what transpired from the outside world.

This hearing emphasized much needed work to be done for the residents of Chornobyl, including aid by the United States.
 

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Press Releases

BRIEFING – The Future of European Energy Security

Oct 16, 2024

Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2118 Stream live here WASHINGTON—Ukraine’s energy situation is dire. After nearly three years of sustained Russian attacks, Ukraine’s ability to produce, store, and transmit power has been severely impaired—which has far-reaching implications for the Ukrainian war effort and disastrous humanitarian consequences. In order to defend its territory and defeat Russia, […]

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Briefings

The Future of European Energy Security

Oct 16, 2024

Ukraine’s energy situation is dire. After nearly three years of sustained Russian attacks, Ukraine’s ability to produce, store, and transmit power has been severely impaired—which has far-reaching implications for the Ukrainian war effort and disastrous humanitarian consequences. In order to defend its territory and defeat Russia, Ukraine must be able to meet its significant and […]

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Briefings

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Hearings

My “Hell” in Russian Captivity

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Russia’s war crimes in Ukraine include the brutal and unlawful detention of thousands of Ukrainians. At this hearing, Yuliia “Taira” Paievska, a well-known Ukrainian volunteer medic who was detained in Mariupol in March and held by the Russians for three months, testified about her capture, the deplorable conditions of her captivity, the plight of those […]

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Press Releases

Ukrainian Medic to Testify on “Hell” in Russian Capt...

Sep 07, 2022

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Press Releases

Helsinki Commission Alarmed By Reported Transport of...

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WASHINGTON—Following reports that the Sparta II, a Russian cargo ship, transported S-300 missile systems through the Turkish Straits, Helsinki Commission Chairman Sen. Ben Cardin (MD), Co-Chairman Rep. Steve Cohen (TN-09), Ranking Member Sen. Roger Wicker (MS), and Ranking Member Rep. Joe Wilson (SC-02) issued the following joint statement: “We are alarmed by Russia’s reported transport of […]

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Press Releases

Co-Chairman Cohen Deplores Arrest of Former Yekateri...

Aug 29, 2022

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Articles

NATO Refocused, Europe Reinforced

Aug 10, 2022

By Jessika Nebrat, Max Kampelman Fellow​ Following the escalation of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is playing a role it has not filled in years. Forced to reconcentrate its attention to Europe’s defense, NATO allies are demonstrating persistent resolve in countering Moscow’s expansionist tendencies. In doing so, NATO returns to a core […]

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Statements

Wicker Stands in Solidarity With Russian Dissident

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Press Releases

Helsinki Commission Urges Administration to Work to ...

Jul 25, 2022

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Hearings

Behind Enemy Lines

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Press Releases

Helsinki Commission Hearing to Highlight Life in Ukr...

Jul 15, 2022

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