On February 23, a public event titled “russia’s violations at the occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant: arbitrary detention, nuclear risk, and accountability” was held in Kyiv. The event was arranged by the international human rights organization Legal Action Worldwide (LAW) in cooperation with the NGO “Association of Relatives of Kremlin Political Prisoners” and “Truth Hounds”.
The panel discussion featured Vyacheslav Huba, Chief Consultant for Cooperation with Public Organizations at JSC “NNEGC Energoatom”. He addressed the current situation at the Zaporizhzhia ZNPP, the risks to nuclear and radiation safety under russian occupation, and the unlawful detention of Ukrainian nuclear workers who refused to sign contracts with the russian state corporation “rosatom” or cooperate with the illegitimate management imposed at the plant.
In his remarks, Vyacheslav Huba emphasized that the safety of the Zaporizhzhia NPP is inseparable from respect for human rights.
“Ukrainian nuclear workers who refused to collaborate with the occupiers have been abducted, unlawfully detained, tortured, and convicted on fabricated charges – and these crimes continue to this day. This is not only a grave violation of human rights; it is also a direct threat to nuclear and radiation safety,” he stated.
The management of JSC “NNEGC Energoatom” consistently emphasizes that nuclear safety cannot be ensured without full respect for human rights. Therefore, the release of unlawfully detained Zaporizhzhia NPP employees must therefore remain a priority on the international agenda.
According to the Truth Hounds report “Seizing Power”, russian authorities have persecuted ZNPP employees and detained at least 226 individuals. In addition, the report highlights the real risk of a nuclear disaster under occupation and underscores the role of the russian state corporation “rosatom” in establishing and sustaining the occupation regime at the plant site.
Special attention was given to the fate of the unlawfully detained employees. Representatives of Legal Action Worldwide reported that the organization had submitted a complaint to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention on behalf of ten imprisoned residents of Energodar.
Participants also announced an initiative to support a petition calling for the release of ZNPP employees, addressed to Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi.
The participation of a representative of JSC “NNEGC “Energoatom” underscored the importance of coordinated efforts between the state company and civil society to protect the rights of Ukrainian nuclear workers and maintain nuclear and radiation safety standards.
Energoatom’s ongoing cooperation with human rights organizations helps draw international attention to the situation at the Zaporizhzhia NPP, document violations, and strengthen global advocacy efforts, including engagement with UN mechanisms aimed at securing the release of unlawfully detained employees.
