Russian Occupation Traps 100 Nuclear Plant Workers

Approximately 100 workers were blocked at a nuclear power plant site for nearly 25 days during the Russian occupation of the Kyiv region. These workers were unable to complete their standard 12-hour shifts required to ensure proper cooling of nuclear fuels. The presence of these workers helped prevent a worst-case scenario during the five-week period before Russian troops departed the region. Officials have sought information from state archives regarding the number of trips made to the reactor, but such data has not been provided. The occupation reportedly endangered the health of the staff and violated safety protocols. Information regarding reactor exits has been provided to authorities. Nuclear plant personnel were not informed of an accident on the night it occurred. Evacuation orders were reportedly delayed following the incident. Workers, including a driver named Vassil, arrived for night shifts unaware of the situation. The plant is located within a Russian-occupied exclusion zone. Evacuees from the exclusion zone recall being forced to leave their homes following the nuclear catastrophe. Residents including 90-year-old Vassil and 86-year-old Nina, who lived in the zone since 1986, described the mandatory evacuation process.