7 April 1985
Nuclear Power
Mikhail Sergeyevich Gorbachev
Russia announces a unilateral freeze of medium-range nuclear missiles
Government response · 1986 onward
Soviet Government Response to Chernobyl
The response expanded from a plant emergency into a national operation involving senior government officials, scientists, military units and plant management.
State and plant management
Government commission, plant leadership and national response
Selected records cover management, evacuation, scientific assessment and political consequences.
8 April 1985
Nuclear Power
Mikhail Sergeyevich Gorbachev
Announces the suspension of the deployment of SS-20 missiles in Europe
21 November 1985
Nuclear Power
Mikhail Sergeyevich Gorbachev
Meets Reagan to discuss arms control
16 March 1970
Bryukhanov Chernobyl Director Appointment
Viktor Bryukhanov
Is appointed the first director of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant and takes responsibility for construction and future operation.
15 August 1972
Bryukhanov Main Building Foundation Milestone
Viktor Bryukhanov
Leads the plant during construction as the first cubic metre of concrete is placed in the foundation of the main building.
26 September 1977
Bryukhanov Unit One Grid Connection
Viktor Bryukhanov
Heads the station when Unit 1 first supplies electricity to the grid through Turbine Generator 2.
1972
Fomin Joins Chernobyl Plant
Nikolai Fomin
Begins working at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant and enters the management structure that later operates the RBMK units.
1972
Fomin Pre-Chernobyl Poltava Experience
Nikolai Fomin
Has worked in the Poltava electrical power network before transferring to the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in 1972.
1972
Fomin Pre-Chernobyl Zaporizhzhia Experience
Nikolai Fomin
Has gained generating-station experience at the Zaporizhzhia thermal power station before beginning work at Chernobyl in 1972.
26 April 1986
Shcherbina Arrival in Pripyat
Boris Shcherbina
Arrives in the Chernobyl area to lead the Government Commission during the first day of the emergency.
26 April 1986
Shcherbina Chernobyl Commission Chairmanship
Boris Shcherbina
Is appointed chairman of the Soviet Government Commission created to investigate and manage the Chernobyl disaster.
27 April 1986
Shcherbina Reactor Suppression Coordination
Boris Shcherbina
Coordinates government resources as helicopters begin dropping protective materials toward the destroyed Unit 4 reactor.
4 May 1986
Silayev Takes Chernobyl Commission Command
Ivan Silayev
Replaces Boris Shcherbina as chairman of the on-site Government Commission managing the Chernobyl response.
May 1986
Silayev Cleanup Logistics Coordination
Ivan Silayev
Coordinates supplies, transport, equipment and personnel required for the rapidly expanding accident-mitigation operation.
May 1986
Silayev Government Commission Rotation
Ivan Silayev
Completes his period leading the rotating on-site Government Commission as other deputy premiers assume subsequent shifts.
26 April 1986
Legasov Government Commission Appointment
Valery Legasov
Joins the Soviet Government Commission sent to investigate the Chernobyl accident and direct technical response measures.
26 April 1986
Legasov Reactor Criticality Assessment
Valery Legasov
Is tasked with assessing whether the destroyed reactor could become critical again and cause further energy release.
26 April 1986
Legasov Reactor Emission Assessment
Valery Legasov
Evaluates the source and intensity of emissions from the destroyed Unit 4 core for the Government Commission.
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