Head of Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant released: IAEA

Vienna, Oct 3 (EFE).- The head of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, which has been under Russian occupation for months, has been released, the chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on Monday.

“I welcome the release of Ihor Murashov, Director General of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant; I have received confirmation that Mr Murashov has returned to his family safely,” the UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi posted on Twitter.

Ukraine said Murashov had been detained by a Russian patrol on Friday while traveling from the nuclear power plant to Enerhodar.

The IAEA said on Saturday that it had been in contact with “relevant authorities” who confirmed Murashov was in “temporary detention”.

“Such a detention of any member of the plant staff would be a source of grave concern in itself, but also for its psychological impact and pressure on the rest of the staff – which is detrimental to nuclear safety and security,” Grossi said following the news.

The IAEA has warned of the risk of a nuclear accident at the Russian-occupied power plant, the largest in Europe, due to its proximity to the frontline and several bombings and explosions.

Grossi has urged for the creation of a nuclear safety zone around the plant to take place as soon as possible. He is expected to travel to Ukraine and Russia later this week to discuss the matter with authorities. EFE

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