Employee at Russia-Controlled Nuclear Plant Killed in Car Bomb, Investigators Report

MOSCOW (Reuters) – A staff member at the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine was killed on Friday morning in a car bomb incident, according to Russian investigators, who attributed the attack to Ukraine.

The Investigative Committee of Russia, responsible for investigating serious crimes, reported that the employee, Andrei Korotkiy, lost his life when a bomb placed under his car detonated outside his residence in Enerhodar, the city where the plant is located.

Korotkiy was part of the plant’s security team, as confirmed by the Committee. A criminal investigation has been initiated into his death.

The plant accused Ukrainian authorities of being behind what it termed a murder. Ukraine has not yet responded to these allegations.

“This is a horrific, inhumane act,” remarked plant director Yuri Chernichuk, who promised repercussions for those responsible. He characterized the attack on personnel tasked with maintaining the nuclear facility’s safety as a reckless and outrageous act.

Russian forces captured the Zaporizhzhia plant, which is Europe’s largest and includes six reactors, shortly after entering Ukraine in February 2022 as part of what Moscow termed a “special military operation.” The plant is currently non-operational.

Both Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of orchestrating attacks on the nuclear facility, claims that both sides have consistently denied.

The International Atomic Energy Agency, the U.N.’s nuclear watchdog, has deployed permanent monitors at the plant and called on both parties to avoid any actions that could jeopardize its safety.