International Atomic Energy Agency: Russia-Ukraine partial ceasefire to repair Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant power lines

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) issued a statement on the 27th saying that the fifth local ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine, brokered by the IAEA, entered into force on the same day. The temporary ceasefire is intended to restore the reserve off-site power supply to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said in the statement that another round of local ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine will help “maintain the nuclear safety and nuclear security of the nuclear power plant” by paving the way for maintenance and strengthening the plant’s off-site power supply.

The statement said that preparatory work, including demining, began on that day. After one to two days of preparation, technical personnel will carry out assessment and repair work under IAEA supervision.

Media reports said that on the 10th, a 330-kilovolt reserve transmission line at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant was damaged due to military activity.

Meanwhile, Russian media reported that on the 27th, Rosatom Chief Executive Officer Lyhaschov said that a local ceasefire had been achieved in the area near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, and that repair personnel are currently restoring damaged equipment at the nuclear power plant and transmission lines.

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is one of the largest nuclear power plants in Europe. After the Ukraine crisis escalated comprehensively in February 2022, Russia took control of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Since then, the plant has been shelled or attacked by drones multiple times, raising concerns from the international community about its safety. (Xinhua News Agency)