IAEA demands clarification from Russia over detention of Zaporizhzhia NPP director-general

A Russian military patrol detained director general of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant amid ongoing war. government-owned company in charge of plant, Energoatom stated on Saturday that Ihor Murashov was detained on Friday, by Russian forces while on his way from Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, Europe's largest nuclear power plant, reported AP.  

In response to this, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) informed that it has sought information about director general of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.“We have contacted Russian authorities and are requesting clarifications," a spokesperson for IAEA, which functions as a nuclear watchdog for United Nations, stated in response to a query on Saturday.   IAEA did not offer anymore details.

Zaporizhzhia Power Plant caught in continuous cross-fire  

Energoatom stated that Russian troops stopped Murashov’s vehicle, blindfolded him and n took him to an undisclosed location.  "His detention by (Russia) jeopardizes safety of Ukraine and Europe’s largest nuclear power plant,” said Petro Kotin, President of Energoatom.  

Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant has repeatedly been caught in crossfire between Russian and Ukrainian forces. Ukrainian technicians h kept plant functioning after Russian forces seized power station. However, amid rampant shelling at and near site, plant’s last reactor was shut down in September, stated AP.  

Significance of Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant  

nuclear power plant at Zaporizhzhia has been a focal point of war between Russia and Ukraine, as both Kyiv and Moscow accuse each or of shelling facility, risking a nuclear fallout.  

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for area around plant to be demilitarized.  

Furrmore, France’s Foreign Minister also suggested working with her Ukrainian interlocutors on implementing proposals by International Atomic Energy Agency’s Director General to establish a protection zone around nuclear power plant, informs website of France’s Foreign Ministry.  

War in Ukraine at “a pivotal moment,” states NATO  

According to AP, Secretary-General of NATO, Jens Stoltenberg stated on Friday that war in Ukraine was at “a pivotal moment.” Calling Russian President Vlimir Putin’s decision to take over more territory of Ukraine “ largest attempted annexation of European territory by force since Second World War,” Stoltenberg reiterated NATO’s support for Ukraine and denounced results of Russia’s referendums for accession of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kerson and Zaporizhzhia.   

Moscow currently claims sovereignty over 15% territory of Ukraine.