Ukraine Claims Russia 'Kidnapped' Two Senior Officials At Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant: Report

Ukraine had accused Russia of kidnapping the head of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, which is Europe's largest, last month.

Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant

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Ukraine's state-run nuclear energy company, Energoatom, on Tuesday accused Russia of "kidnapping" two senior officials at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in southern Ukraine, Reuters reported. Energoatom said Oleh Kostyukov, the power plant's IT director, and Oleh Oshek, the director's assistant, were allegedly kidnapped on Monday.

Energoatom's statement said, "At present, nothing is known of their whereabouts or condition." Russia has not reacted yet to the purported kidnappings of Kostyukov and Oshek.

Ukraine had accused Russia of kidnapping the head of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, which is Europe's largest, last month.

Ihor Murashov, the facility's director general, was captured by Russian authorities on September 30 as he was travelling from the power plant to the village of Enerhodar, according to Energoatom.

Russian forces allegedly stopped Murashov's vehicle, blindfolded him, and brought him to an unidentified location, according to the state nuclear power corporation.

Later, the International Atomic Energy Agency claimed that Murashov was "temporarily detained to answer questions", according on information provided by Russian authorities.

The Zaporizhzhia facility was annexed by Russia after being regularly caught in the crossfire during the eight-month-old conflict in Ukraine. The annexation was done by Russia to absorb Moscow-controlled territories in Russia.

Explosions Heard In Kyiv, Strikes Hit Zhytomyr

Russian soldiers allegedly attacked energy infrastructure in northern Kyiv, according to Ukrainian officials, leading to heavy smoke billowing from the power station.

The deputy head of the presidential office, Kyrylo Tymoshenko, reported Russia struck an unnamed energy plant thrice.

At least four people were killed on Monday when explosions jolted Kyiv for the second time in a week after Russian drones targeted buildings close to the city's main train station during rush hour.

Russian airstrikes nearby Zhytomyr, roughly 140 kilometres west of Kyiv, have left the city without electricity and water.