Seventh local ceasefire takes effect around Zaporizhzhia NPP

A new local ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine around the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant took effect on Saturday, September 5, to allow repairs to a power transmission line supplying the facility, International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi said.

The ceasefire is intended to enable Ukrainian workers to repair the damaged line and restore the plant’s external power supply. Repair work is due to begin later on Saturday after the area has been cleared of mines.

The Zaporizhzhia plant lost its connection to its only remaining external power line on August 20 following military activity. Since then, the facility has relied on emergency diesel generators to provide the electricity required for essential safety systems, including cooling the reactors and spent fuel.

The IAEA has warned that the plant could face a complete loss of power if external electricity is not restored or additional diesel fuel is delivered in the near future.

Grossi said Russia and Ukraine had “constructively engaged with the IAEA in the interests of nuclear safety and security.”

The latest arrangement marks the seventh local ceasefire negotiated by Grossi as part of efforts to prevent a nuclear accident at the plant. The IAEA has previously used localized ceasefires to facilitate repairs to power infrastructure serving the Zaporizhzhia facility.

By Tamilla Hasanova