The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has initiated consultations seeking to establish a temporary ceasefire zone in the area of the Zaporizhia NPP (ZNPP) where the last remaining back-up 330 kV line was damaged and disconnected as a result of military activity on 2 January. This has left the plant entirely dependent on its sole functioning 750 kV line, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said.
The proposal requests both the Russian Federation and Ukraine to agree to a temporary ceasefire zone at a location approximately 10 kilometres from the Zaporizhia Thermal Power Plant 330 kV open switchyard, to enable technicians to safely perform the necessary repairs.
The latest ceasefire proposal comes after successful repairs were carried out under an IAEA-brokered local ceasefire on 30 December, marking the third time in recent months when temporary truce arrangements negotiated and overseen by the IAEA allowed work on power lines critical for nuclear safety that had been damaged during the conflict.
“The IAEA remains actively engaged with both parties to ensure nuclear safety and security at the plant,” said Grossi. “We are confident that the Russian Federation and Ukraine will continue to cooperate constructively with us to carry out these essential repairs and reduce the risk of an accident.”
Over the past week, the IAEA team present at the ZNPP has also reported a significant increase in military activities in the areas surrounding the ZNPP, including some explosions heard close to the site.
