Russian forces took the plant shortly after invading Ukraine, essentially trapping workers there for weeks, the International Atomic Energy Agency said.
About 300 people — including technicians, guards and others — have been effectively trapped at the facility since Feb. 24, when Russian forces took control. The staff has not been able to rotate work shifts as usual, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency , the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog.a post on Facebook
, where it has been delivering periodic updates on the perilous situation. Fifty shift workers were among those allowed to go, the plant said, and they were replaced by 46 “employee-volunteers.” It is unclear when or whether the remaining workers will be able to rotate out.The facility’s employees have “heroically performed their professional duties and maintained the appropriate level of safety,” the plant’s post said.