IAEA Chief Heading to Kyiv, Moscow

After receiving information about the detention by the Russian forces of Ihor Murashov, Director General of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi is set to visit Ukraine and Russia.

That’s according to the IAEA press service, Ukrinform reports.

“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,” said Grossi.

Furthermore, the Director General of the ZNPP has the responsibility to ensure the nuclear safety and security of the plant. He ensures that all the plant’s operational procedures are implemented, including the ones related to nuclear safety, radiation safety of operating personnel, and to nuclear security. Additionally, he activates and leads the response to any on-site nuclear emergency, the IAEA said in a statement.

“His absence from duty in this way also has an immediate and serious impact on decision-making in ensuring the safety and security of the plant,” Grossi added.

“Director General Grossi continues his consultations and other efforts aimed at agreeing and implementing a nuclear safety and security zone around the ZNPP as soon as possible. He is expected to travel to Kyiv and Moscow next week,” the report reads.

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With Russia’s full-scale invasion approaching the 1,000-day mark, 3.7 million people have already been displaced inside Ukraine and around 6.7 million have fled as refugees, according to UN figures.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, on Friday, September 30, Russian invaders detained ZNPP Director General Ihor Murashov on his way from the plant to the town of Enerhodar. His car was stopped before he was dragged out and taken away blindfolded.

There is no verified information at the moment as to Murashov’s whereabouts. Ukraine’s law enforcement launched a probe into the official’s abduction.

The Russian side told the IAEA in response to the appeal to explain the arrest of the ZNPP chief, Ihor Murashov, that he was “temporarily detained.”