The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) insists on a local ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia in order to restore external power supply to the temporarily occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZAEP), which has been in a blackout state since September 23. This is reported by the Associated Press.
The IAEA proposes to restore power supply to the ZNPP in two stages. At the first stage, it is planned to establish a cease-fire zone within a radius of 1.5 kilometers, which will allow the repair of the main power transmission line with a capacity of 750 kW, damaged in the territory controlled by the Russian Federation.
The second stage envisages the creation of another cease-fire zone for the repair of a 330 kW reserve line located on the territory controlled by Ukraine. Monitoring of repair works should be provided by IAEA experts.
The restoration of electricity supply was planned for the period from October 11 to 17. The Ukrainian side provided all the necessary guarantees for the safe passage of repair crews, but Russia did not do so in time, the European diplomat said. At the same time, the representative of the Russian Federation noted that preparations for repair work are ongoing and they may begin in the near future.
Let us remind you that on September 23, the temporarily occupied ZNPP experienced a blackout for the tenth time since the beginning of the occupation. According to the research of the international organization “Greenpeace Ukraine” based on satellite images from September 27, the cause of the blackout was deliberate sabotage by the Russian military.
On September 30, the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, emphasized that the ZNPP has been disconnected from the Ukrainian energy system for seven days. The station is powered by backup diesel generators, one of which has failed. According to him, the situation at the station is emergency and critical.
The European Union has called on Russia to immediately stop hostilities near the ZNPP and restore external electricity supply. The EU also emphasized that the only way to reduce risks is to withdraw Russian troops from the territory of the station and return it to the control of Ukraine.
