Ukraine nuclear workers recount abuse, threats from Russians

By HANNA ARHIROVA
Associated Press

ZAPORIZHZHIA, Ukraine (AP) — Workers at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant are recounting fears of being abducted and tortured or killed by Russian forces who seized control of the facility and the city of Enerhodar. Ukrainian officials say the Russians sought to intimidate the staff into keeping Europe’s largest nuclear plant running, through beatings and other abuse. but also punish those who express support for Kyiv. The head of Ukraine’s state nuclear company says that among those seized was the plant’s director, who was abducted Friday on his way home from work and released Monday. On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared that Russia was taking ownership of the plant. Ukraine condemned the “illegal” Russian takeover attempt.