The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) announced on June 5 that a local ceasefire has been established near the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, allowing for essential repairs to power lines critical for nuclear safety.
Technicians from both sides are set to commence repairs on the 750 kV Dnipro power line, which has suffered damage due to ongoing conflict, following extensive demining efforts in the area. The IAEA indicated that this power line had been offline for over two months, leaving Europe’s largest nuclear facility reliant on a backup 330 kV line for the electricity needed to cool six inactive reactors.
In recent weeks, the Zaporizhzhia plant has intermittently lost access to this backup line, necessitating the use of emergency diesel generators, according to the agency. The IAEA noted that this marks the sixth temporary ceasefire around the facility since late last year.
The six reactors at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant have remained in a cold shutdown state since 2022. The IAEA maintains a continuous presence at the site to monitor safety amid ongoing shelling.
Russian forces captured the nuclear power plant in the early weeks of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The facility is currently not generating electricity. Both Ukraine and Russia have accused each other of conducting military operations near the plant, raising concerns about nuclear safety.
Related: Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant May Require ‘Special Status’ in Peace Agreement – Grossi
The IAEA has facilitated a local ceasefire near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, allowing for repairs to critical power lines. This development is crucial for ensuring the safety of the facility, which has been affected by ongoing conflict.