Moscow, June 5: Repairs have commenced on a crucial external power line supplying the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. This development is made possible due to a local ceasefire facilitated by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The repair work is taking place on the 750-kilovolt ‘Dniprovska’ transmission line, which has been non-operational since March 24. This line is considered a vital part of the plant’s external power supply system.
Officials state that restoring this line will enhance the reliability of electricity supply and strengthen nuclear and radiation safety.
Earlier, on May 30, a Ukrainian drone targeted the turbine hall of Unit 6 at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Following this incident, IAEA experts inspected the affected site.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi expressed serious concern over the drone attack, stating that targeting nuclear facilities is akin to “playing with fire” and poses a risk of a major disaster.
On Friday, the IAEA announced that a limited regional ceasefire has been implemented around the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. This ceasefire has cleared the way for essential repairs to the power line and helps mitigate the risk of a potential nuclear accident.
This marks the sixth temporary ceasefire mediated by Rafael Grossi between Russia and Ukraine since the end of last year. These ceasefires aim to ensure the safe electricity supply to nuclear plants and maintain nuclear safety.
According to the IAEA, preparations for the repair work have been challenging due to damage to the power line near the front line, located above high power towers over the Dnipro River.
Additionally, Alexei Likhachev, Director General of Russia’s state nuclear energy company Rosatom, indicated that this ceasefire will remain in effect until June 23. He also claimed that three individuals were injured in a recent Ukrainian drone attack at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.
Notably, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is regarded as the largest nuclear power facility in Europe, and its safety has been a continuous international concern amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
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