Russian occupiers secretly hold 13 workers of Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in captivity, which causes serious concern among Ukraine’s energy sector and the international community
This was disclosed by official sources of "Energoatom," who reported that at least 13 employees of Europe's largest nuclear power plant are currently illegally detained in the occupied territory. According to information from the NAEC on their Telegram channel, the situation at Zaporizhzhia NPP remains tense since the temporary occupation of the station by Russian forces began. It is evident that the Russian occupiers are applying unprecedented pressure on those employees who refused to cooperate and sign agreements with Russian "Rosatom," thereby deliberately reinforcing a culture of intimidation and coercion. Since the occupation started, about five thousand specialists have managed to leave the temporarily occupied Enerhodar, and "Energoatom" is actively working to ensure their employment in other divisions of the state company, thereby protecting their jobs. However, despite these efforts, a number of workers remain in captivity, held by Russian occupiers without any legal grounds. Specifically, at least 13 station employees are known to be detained. Seven of them have already been "sentenced" to imprisonment, three others are in prisons awaiting occupation "verdicts," and three others have gone missing and are considered missing; their whereabouts are still unknown. This raises acute concerns regarding the safety and lives of nuclear industry workers, especially against the backdrop of the total destabilization of the region. Meanwhile, Russia's brutality towards nuclear workers is not limited to imprisonments. It is known that at the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the occupiers torturously killed underwater drone operator Andriy Honcharuk of ZNPP. Such a brutal act starkly confirms that the Russian side does not hesitate to use any means to achieve its goals — even the most violent and horrifying. At the same time, the plant remains under constant military control. Russian military vehicles are stationed on its premises, explosive weapons are stored there, and the equipment is increasingly degrading due to unprotected and hostile presence. Experts note that the deterioration of technical equipment jeopardizes the safe re-commissioning of the plant in the future, and any prospects for returning it to peaceful operation currently seem unattainable. "Energoatom" urgently demands the immediate release of all unlawfully detained plant employees. In their official statements, they emphasize that Zaporizhzhia NPP must be returned to the control of its legitimate operator, namely Ukrainian state company "Energoatom," and that Russian troops and equipment must be fully withdrawn from the territory. According to experts, this is the only way to ensure nuclear and radiation safety — both for Ukraine and the entire continent, as any negligence in this sphere could lead to catastrophic consequences. Ukrainian energy professionals emphasize that calls for the swift and unconditional liberation of the detained workers must be heard by the international community. They demand the immediate deoccupation of Zaporizhzhia NPP, its return under Ukrainian control, and the complete withdrawal of military presence from the facility. This is the only guarantee of the safety of the nuclear station and a key to regional stability, which is vital for Ukraine's energy security and the security of the entire world.