The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed this Saturday the “temporary detention” of the director of the Zaporizhia nuclear plant, Ihor Murashov.
In a statement, the UN nuclear agency indicates that after being informed of the arrest by Ukrainecontacted the “competent authorities”, in apparent reference to Russia, and was informed that Murashov “is in temporary detention”.
In accordance with its nuclear safety and security mandate, the IAEA expects a rapid and satisfactory resolution of this matter, said IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi.
The statement highlights that the arrest has a “very significant” impact on the safety and nuclear protection of the plant, occupied since March by Russian troops.
“The arrest of a member of the plant’s staff is a source of serious concern, also because of its psychological impact and its pressure on the rest of the staff, which is detrimental to nuclear safety,” Grossi said.
“His absence from work also has an immediate and serious impact on decision-making to ensure the safety and security of the plant,” explained the general director, who expressed his hope that Murashov will be released soon and can resume his duties. on the plant.
On the other hand, IAEA experts present at the plant today reported several explosions, possibly caused by landmines.
The explosions did not cause any direct impact on the plant’s security systems, the agency said.
Grossi is continuing his consultations and other efforts to agree and implement a nuclear safety zone around the Zaporizhia plant as soon as possible.
To this end, the IAEA director general is scheduled to travel to kyiv and Moscow next week, the note concludes.
