Viktor Bryukhanov

Viktor Bryukhanov

Viktor Petrovich Bryukhanov (1 December 1935 – 13 October 2021) was a Soviet engineer and the manager of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant from 1970 to 1986. He is best known for his role in the Chernobyl disaster of April 1986.

Early Life and Education

Viktor Bryukhanov was born on 1 December 1935 in Tashkent, Uzbek SSR, which was then part of the Soviet Union. He graduated from the Tashkent Polytechnic Institute with a degree in electrical engineering.

Career

Bryukhanov began his career working at various power plants in the Soviet Union. In 1970, he was appointed as the manager of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, which was under construction at the time. Under his leadership, the plant became operational in 1977.

Chernobyl Disaster

On 26 April 1986, Reactor No. 4 at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant exploded, leading to one of the worst nuclear disasters in history. Bryukhanov was in charge of the plant at the time of the disaster. The explosion released large quantities of radioactive particles into the atmosphere, which spread over much of Europe.

Following the disaster, Bryukhanov was dismissed from his position and was later tried and convicted for his role in the incident. He was sentenced to ten years in prison but was released after serving five years.

Later Life

After his release from prison, Bryukhanov lived a relatively quiet life. He passed away on 13 October 2021.

Legacy

Viktor Bryukhanov's role in the Chernobyl disaster has been a subject of much debate and analysis. The disaster had a profound impact on nuclear policy and safety regulations worldwide.

See Also

• Chernobyl disaster
• Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant
• Nuclear safety
• Soviet Union