UN watchdog calls for release of Ukraine's nuclear plant head after Russia acknowledges 'detention'

Ukrainian state nuclear company Energoatom had informed that the director-general of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Ihor Murashov was detained by the Russian troops around 4 pm on Friday hours after Putin signed treaties to annex Russia-controlled Ukrainian territories.
Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant

Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (File image)

Photo : AP
Kyiv: The United Nations (UN) nuclear watchdog head called for the release of the director-general of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine, citing his detention posed a serious 'threat to safety and security.' Notably, Russia was accused of 'kidnapping' the head of Europe's largest nuclear power plant, Ihor Murashov in Ukraine on Friday.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) noted later that Russia had confirmed the same. "IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi expressed the hope that Mr Murashov will return to his family safely and promptly and will be able to resume his important functions at the plant," a tweet by the agency read.
The IAEA also stressed that Murashov's 'temporary detention' had a 'very significant impact' on him and nuclear safety and security standards.
Ukrainian state nuclear company Energoatom had informed that the director-general of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Ihor Murashov was detained by the Russian troops around 4 pm on Friday hours after Putin signed treaties to annex Russia-controlled Ukrainian territories.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky called it an 'act of terror.' "This is another instance of a clear act of Russian terror, for which the terrorist state must bear an ever-increasing punishment," Zelensky said in a video message.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on Sunday noted that Grossi dialled and assured him that the IAEA would spare 'no effort to ensure the release of ZNPP director abducted by Russia.' Notably, Grossi is also expected to hold talks with Moscow and Kyiv soon to discuss the building of a protection zone around the Zaporizhzhia plant.
Notably, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has been a point of friction between the two countries since the Russian troops seized the power station. The plant's last reactor was shut down recently owing to ongoing shelling near the power station.
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