Russian patrol detains head of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, Energoatom says - Reuters

A serviceman with a Russian flag on his uniform stands guard near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in the course of Ukraine-Russia conflict outside the Russian-controlled city of Enerhodar in the Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine August 4, 2022.

KYIV, Oct 1 (Reuters) - A Russian patrol has detained the director general of Ukraine's Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the state-owned company in charge of the plant said on Saturday, and the U.N.

Asked by Reuters for comment, a spokesperson for the IAEA said: "We have contacted Russian authorities and are requesting clarifications." Later on Saturday the IAEA said it had been informed by Russian authorities that Murashov was being held for questioning.

"The IAEA sought clarification from the Russian authorities and has been informed that the director-general of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant was temporarily detained to answer questions," a spokesperson said without elaborating.

In his Telegram statement, Kotin said Murashov "bears main and exclusive responsibility for the nuclear and radiation safety" of the plant and his detention "jeopardizes the safety of operation of Ukraine and Europe’s largest nuclear power plant".