Detention of Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant Director Confirmed in Russia

Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant [Photo by Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] It has been confirmed that Russia is detaining the director of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine.

According to AFP on the 1st (local time), Petro Kotin, CEO of Energoatom, the operator of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, stated in a Telegram announcement that Ihor Murashov, the director, was captured by a Russian patrol around 4 p.m. the previous day while on his way from the Zaporizhzhia plant to the nearby city of Enerhodar.

Kotin said, "The Russian patrol stopped Murashov's car, blindfolded him, and took him to an unknown location," adding that they did not disclose what would happen to Murashov. He emphasized, "Murashov holds independent responsibility for the safety of the nuclear power plant," and "detaining him threatens the safety of Ukraine's and Europe's largest nuclear power plant."

Kotin demanded that Russia cease terrorist acts against the plant's managers and staff and immediately release Director Murashov.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed the detention of Director Murashov. An IAEA spokesperson said, "After requesting clarification from Russian authorities, we were informed that Murashov was temporarily detained to be questioned."

The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs immediately protested. The ministry described it as "the most severe form of illegal detention," calling it "another act of state terrorism by Russia and a serious violation of international law," and demanded the immediate release of Director Murashov.

Russia occupied the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in March this year, shortly after invading Ukraine. Although Ukrainian staff continued to operate the plant after the occupation, concerns about nuclear safety arose as Russian forces did not allow shift changes for the management staff.

Especially since August, shelling near the plant has continued, directly threatening its safety, and ultimately, Ukraine completely shut down the plant last month.

However, since the remaining fuel and spent nuclear fuel at the plant require continuous safety management, management personnel are essential. Zaporizhzhia is a region recently declared annexed by Russia.