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Friday, February 7, 2025
WorldZaporizhzhia nuclear workers: Russians are holding us at gunpoint

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Zaporizhzhia nuclear workers: Russians are holding us at gunpoint

Russian troops are using the captured Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station as a military camp, and employees there have told the BBC that they are being held at gunpoint.

Since early March, occupying forces have been in control of the location, the largest nuclear power plant in Europe. Ukrainian technicians continue to run it, nevertheless.

Moscow has recently been accused of using the plant “as a shield” while its troops launch rockets from there towards nearby locations.

And on Thursday, more shelling was reported – and the head of the UN issued a new warning about fighting near the nuclear site “leading to disaster”.

Now two workers have told the BBC about the daily threat of kidnap, as well as their fears of either “radioactive contamination of the wider region” or a nuclear catastrophe.

The southern city of Nikopol is one of the most dangerous vantage points in Ukraine.

On the banks of the Dnipro River, it’s possible to see the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant 10 miles across the water.

It’s a place that has seen heavy shelling over the past couple of weeks, with up to 120 rockets being reported in a single night.

They come from the direction of Enerhodar, the city where the plant is situated.

In turn, Enerhodar – and the power station – have also come under heavy fire.

The UN’s nuclear watchdog claims there’s a “real risk of nuclear disaster” unless the fighting stops and inspectors are allowed access.

Ukraine and Russia blame each other. The picture is murky, but the risks are crystal clear.

“My working day is a constant stress,” says Svitlana, who’s contacting us over text.

She and fellow worker Mykola can only use Russian Sim cards now and the signal is very limited. We’re not using their real names for their safety.

“I can’t work like I used to,” says Svitlana. “The last week I haven’t even been able to come to my workplace – it’s dangerous.

On Saturday, there was the shelling of the nitrogen-oxygen station, which caused a fire. By some miracle, the people working there survived.”

Another Enerhodar resident tells us that shop and pharmacy prices are now four times higher than in the territory that Ukraine still controls, as well as there is a shortage of doctors. Most ATMs are closed, too.

Svitlana has worked at the plant for many years and says shells have been landing close to it every day.

“The psychological situation is difficult,” she adds. “Soldiers are walking everywhere with weapons and everyone is actually kept at gunpoint.”

Russia is accused of basing about 500 soldiers there. Recent footage has shown military vehicles being driven inside, and Svitlana is in no doubt it’s being used as a base.

“Every day they drive back and forth in their military vehicles,” she says.

“They positioned their military equipment right at the station buildings, to make it impossible for Ukrainian armed forces to strike.”

A text comes in from Mykola: “The staff is now hostages of the Russians,” it reads.

“They turned off the internet, left only landline phones, and food is available only in one single dining room. They turned the others into their bases.”

Ukraine is concerned Russia has started shelling the area it occupies to try to create a false narrative, such as: “Ukraine is attacking you – so better vote to join Russia so we can take root and protect you.”

Moscow-installed politicians for the Zaporizhzhia region have just signed an order for a referendum to be held soon. Russia has staged sham votes in the past, such as with Crimea, which it annexed in 2014.

Mykola continues: “Access to all roofs is prohibited, they made their observation points there. The training building also became their barracks.

“Now, more and more often, staff are kidnapped just when leaving the shift at the security gate.”

It’s not known why the kidnapping takes place – but residents paint a picture of intimidation as Russians look to lay down law.

Svitlana and Mykola also describe
by the Russians – but they say the staff is still able to monitor the reactor properly.

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