Occupation authorities sentence ZNPP employee to 25 years in prison on trumped-up charges
4 June 2025 17:32
The Russian occupiers have sentenced Vadym Trachuk, a driver of the transport department of Zaporizhzhia NPP, to 25 years in prison. This was announced by the mayor of Enerhodar, Dmytro Orlov, on his Telegram channel, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
Since June, Trachuk has been held in custody on charges of seven fabricated serious articles, including “international terrorism” and an alleged attempt on the life of former collaborator Andriy Shevchyk in 2022.
The occupation court found him guilty of “attempted murder”, “terrorism” and “participation in a terrorist group”. In addition, the man was also accused of preparing for an “assassination attempt” on one of the deputy directors of the ZNPP.
The prosecutor’s office demanded 28 years in prison, but the so-called court sentenced him to 25 years in prison.
The occupation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) is one of the most dangerous events in Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine. Here are the key facts about the situation:
The seizure of ZNPP
ZNPP was seized by Russian troops on March 4, 2022, after fighting in the city of Enerhodar (Zaporizhzhia region).
During the assault, the territory of the plant, including administrative buildings and the training center, was shelled, which raised concerns about nuclear safety.
Situation at the plant
The Russian military is using the territory of ZNPP as a military base, deploying equipment, ammunition and personnel there.
ZNPP employees remain under the control of the occupiers. Many were tortured, forced to cooperate, some were deported or detained on false charges.
The management of ZNPP has been changed: pro-Russian officials have been appointed to replace the Ukrainian ones, but the IAEA and the Ukrainian side do not recognize the legitimacy of these appointments.
Nuclear Threat
The IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) has repeatedly warned of the risks of disaster due to the militarization of the plant.
Experts emphasize that the plant is not designed for military operations, and any damage to the reactors or spent fuel storage facilities could have catastrophic consequences not only for Ukraine but for the whole of Europe.
Plant operation status
All 6 reactors are currently in hot or cold shutdown (depending on the unit) to minimize risks.
Ukraine has lost control over the facility, but the responsibility for nuclear safety formally remains with the Ukrainian state, which creates a legal conflict.
Ukraine’s position
Ukraine has repeatedly stated that it demands full demilitarization of the ZNPP territory, withdrawal of Russian troops and return of the plant to Energoatom’s control.
President Zelenskyy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have appealed to the international community to increase pressure on Russia and support the international IAEA mission.
