A local ceasefire has been established near the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), paving the way for repairs to a critical power line. This pause in hostilities will allow Ukrainian energy workers to restore the last remaining 330-kilovolt (kV) backup line, which was severed by shelling on January 2.
The development was announced by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), according to Hvylya.
The plant currently relies on a single functioning 750 kV main power line. External electricity is vital for cooling reactor cores and maintaining nuclear safety protocols, even though all reactor units are currently in shutdown.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi confirmed that repair crews from the Ukrainian operator are scheduled to begin work in the coming days. A team of agency experts stationed at the facility will monitor the process on-site.
"This temporary ceasefire—the fourth one that we have arranged—demonstrates the indispensable role that we continue to play," Grossi stated.
The agency also highlighted deteriorating conditions at other Ukrainian nuclear facilities. A power line at the Chornobyl site was disconnected following damage to a substation, while one of the country's operating nuclear plants was forced to temporarily reduce output over the weekend.
Citing persistent attacks on the energy grid, Grossi announced a new expert mission. Specialists will assess 10 electrical substations deemed critical to the safety of Ukraine's nuclear energy infrastructure.
