Russia-Ukraine War: Moscow Accused of Kidnapping Head of Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant Ihor Murashov
“His detention by (Russia) jeopardizes the safety of Ukraine and Europe's largest nuclear power plant,” said Energoatom President Petro Kotin said. Kotin demanded Russia immediately release Murashov.
Kyiv, October 1: Ukraine's nuclear power provider accused Russia on Saturday of “kidnapping” the head of Europe's largest nuclear power plant, a facility now occupied by Russian troops. Russian forces seized the director-general of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Ihor Murashov, around 4 pm on Friday, Ukrainian state nuclear company Energoatom said. Energoatom said Russian troops stopped Murashov's car, blindfolded him and then took him to an undisclosed location.
“His detention by (Russia) jeopardizes the safety of Ukraine and Europe's largest nuclear power plant,” said Energoatom President Petro Kotin said. Kotin demanded Russia immediately release Murashov. Russia-Ukraine War: NATO Calls on States to Reject Moscow’s Annexation of Ukraine Regions.
Russia did not immediately acknowledge seizing the plant director.
The Zaporizhzhia plant repeatedly has been caught in the crossfire of the war in Ukraine. Ukrainian technicians continued running it after Russian troops seized the power station. The plant's last reactor was shut down in September amid ongoing shelling near the facility. Russia-Ukraine War: India Abstains on UNSC Resolution Condemning Moscow’s Illegal Referendum To Annex Ukrainian Territories.
The International Atomic Energy Agency, which has staff at the plant, did not immediately acknowledge Energoatom's claim of Murashov's capture by the Russians.