IAEA shares photos as repairs continue on Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant power line
Illustrative photo: Repairs to a power line are underway near the ZNPP (GettyImages)
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi reported the start of repair work on the backup power line connecting the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant to the Ukrainian power grid.
According to him, the work began under the latest ceasefire arranged with IAEA mediation.
Repairs carried out by Ukrainian team
The repair of the power line is being conducted by a Ukrainian team of specialists. IAEA representatives are on site supervising the progress of the work.
It is noted that the 330 kV Ferosplavna-1 line is a backup and plays an important role in ensuring stable electricity supply to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.
Photo: Repairs to a power line are underway near the ZNPP (https://x.com/iaeaorg/status/2012809398393987468)
Situation at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant
The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant has been under Russian occupation since March 2022. Since then, Moscow has repeatedly attempted to legitimize its control over the facility, openly disregarding international law.
Experts view the latest actions by Rostekhnadzor as another form of nuclear coercion, creating serious risks not only for the region but for global security.
At the same time, the United States proposed a model of joint management of the plant involving Ukraine, Russia, and the US. However, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called this format unfair.
It is worth recalling that on November 19, Ukraine restored electricity supply to the occupied plant after a line was damaged by Russian strikes. Before that, the plant had completely lost power ten times.
However, by December 6, the plant again lost external electricity and is currently connected to only one line, continuing to pose critical nuclear safety risks.
At the end of December, Ukraine and Russia agreed on a local ceasefire around the Zaporizhzhia plant, which allowed repair work on the damaged power line to begin.
Recently, the IAEA reached an agreement with Ukraine and Russia on a temporary ceasefire near the plant. This will allow the final backup power line to the facility to be repaired.
