Russia Frees Detained Boss Of Europe’s Largest Nuclear Plant
By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
KYIV/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – Russia has freed the director general of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant after his detention raised concerns about safety at Europe’s largest atomic plant, the United Nations nuclear watchdog said.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said Monday that Ihor Murashov, who is responsible for nuclear and radiation safety at the facility, was abducted in his car at around 4 p.m. on Friday.
It happened on the road leading to the plant, according to Energoatom, the Ukrainian national energy company.
The company said he had been blindfolded and taken to an unknown location. It appealed to the IAEA, to help secure his release.
IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said on Monday said that he welcomes “the release of Ihor Murashov, Director General of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant.” Grossi added on the social media network Twitter: “I have received confirmation that Mr. Murashov has returned to his family safely.”
It came despite escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, who have blamed each other for shelling that has damaged buildings on the plant’s grounds.
Rossi is to hold talks in Moscow and Kyiv this week to ease tensions in the area. The IAEA demands a protection zone around the site to reduce the risk of a potentially catastrophic accident that could impact much of Europe and beyond.