Ukraine, Russia agree to ‘localized ceasefire’ at nuclear plant

Ukraine and Russia have both agreed to implement a “localized ceasefire” at the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant to allow the site’s “last remaining emergency power line” to be repaired, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) announced on Friday.

“Technicians of the Ukrainian power grid operator are expected to begin repair work in the coming days on the 330 kV line – damaged and disconnected following military activity on January 2,” the agency said in a statement.

The IAEA said it had deployed a team to supervise the work.

The Zaporizhzhya plant, Europe’s largest nuclear power plant which was shut down following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, currently relies only on its 750 kV main power line, the agency said.

This is the fourth time Ukraine and Russia have agreed to a localized ceasefire at the power plant in southern Ukraine since Russian forces occupied the site after the war began in February 2022.

Although all reactors have since been shut down, electricity is still needed for cooling and is supplied via two power lines that have been repeatedly damaged by bombing.

Diesel generators take over in the event of a power outage.

IAEA experts on site reported regular sonic explosions near the plant.