Russia has been accused by Ukraine of kidnapping a Ukrainian nuclear plant chief called Ihor Murashov. Europe’s largest nuclear plant, Zaporizhzhia, was headed by Murashov. He was last seen at around 4 PM local time, when he was arrested, blindfolded, and taken away to the town of Enerhodar. His arrest was confirmed by Ukraine’s state-owned firm Energoatom’s chief, Petro Kotin.

Who is Ihor Murashov?

Ihor Murashov is the Director General of Zaporizhzhia, the largest nuclear plant in Europe. He was allegedly kidnapped by Russian forces on October 1, 2022. Regarding his kidnapping, Petro Kotin said in a statement, “He was taken out of the car and with his eyes blindfolded he was driven in an unknown direction. His detention by [Russia] jeopardises the safety of Ukraine and Europe’s largest nuclear power plant”.

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The statement released by Energoatom also states that Murashov is “a licensed person and bears main and exclusive responsibility for the nu clear and radiation safety of the Zaporizhzhya NPP”. 

In the statement, Kotin also urged International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief, Rafael Grossi, to take steps to ensure that Murashov is “urgently” freed.

The IAEA released a statement regarding the incident, in which they said that they have “been in contact w/ relevant authorities seeking clarifications on temporary detention of #Ukraine #Zaporizhzhya NPP Murashov”.

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The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power’s units 5 and 6 were shut down after Russia’s attacks on the country began on February 24, 2022. Heavy firing took place at the site on March 3, 2022 between Russian and Ukrainian forces. On March 12, Russian authorities reportedly told Zaporizhzhya’s management that the Vladimir Putin-led country has now taken control of the plant.

The last working reactor of the plant was disconnected on September 11, 2022, to avoid risks from repeated shelling.