This chapter examines the broad social and political ramifications of the Chernobyl disaster through the lens of the ‘Chernobyl children’. These children, initially referred to as such by Western media and later by Soviet activists, symbolize the long-term human impact of the disaster, which transcended national borders. The chapter explores how the Soviet state, struggling under the weight of multiple crises, sought to protect these children by sending them abroad for recovery, leading to the development of extensive transnational networks. These networks, primarily driven by non-state actors and humanitarian initiatives, played a crucial role in shaping the global response to the disaster. The chapter also delves into the complex identities of the Chernobyl children, who have navigated the stigma of being disaster survivors while sometimes using this identity to their advantage. By situating the Chernobyl children within broader historical contexts, such as the Cold War and the Anthropocene, the chapter offers a nuanced understanding of how this disaster became a transnational event with lasting implications for global humanitarianism and the lived experiences of those affected.