Ukrainian workers accuse Russian soldiers of “torturing” them at Zaporizhzia nuclear plant

Russian soldiers occupying the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant (ZNPP) are “torturing” Ukrainian workers to keep them silent ahead of a visit from the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, Ukraine’s nuclear company Energoatom claimed on Saturday.

For weeks, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has advocated for access to the plant site as shelling continues and damages the integrity of infrastructure not just at the plant, but throughout Europe’s nuclear security.

Energoatom said in a statement that its employees have been subjected to “torture and other inhuman treatment” by the Russian soldiers, who are reportedly demanding that they sign non-disclosure agreements.

“In particular, the occupants are trying to obtain from our employees a refusal to cooperate with the IAEA mission,” the statement said.

The workers have also been threatened with dismissal and criminal prosecution if they try to leave the site, Energoatom added.

ZNPP is located in the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic, an area controlled by Russia-backed separatists. The plant supplies a large part of Ukraine’s power grid.

The IAEA has said that it is “gravely concerned” about the situation at ZNPP and has called for all parties to ensure the safety of the site.

“The IAEA has been in contact with all relevant authorities to allow our inspectors safe and secure access to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant,” an agency spokesperson said in a statement Saturday.

“We reiterate our call on all parties to take all necessary measures to protect nuclear facilities and prevent any actions that could jeopardize nuclear and radiological safety,” the spokesperson added.