Zaporizhzhia: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has announced the commencement of repair work near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) following a local ceasefire facilitated by the UN's nuclear watchdog.

According to Anadolu Agency, IAEA's Director General Rafael Grossi disclosed via a statement on social media platform X that essential power line repairs have begun near the facility. The statement highlighted that the agency's team is overseeing the repairs, which are anticipated to take 'a few days' to complete.

The IAEA's communication emphasized that these repairs are part of ongoing efforts to avert a nuclear accident amid the ongoing military conflict. Grossi expressed gratitude to both Russia and Ukraine for agreeing to the temporary cessation of hostilities. This "window of silence" aims to restore power transmission between the switchyards of the ZNPP and the Zaporizhzhia Thermal Power Plant, thus enhancing nuclear safety.

Earlier reports from the IAEA indicated that the power transmission between the switchyards of ZNPP and the Zaporizhzhia thermal plant (ZTPP) was disrupted due to damage to the autotransformer line, allegedly caused by military activities. The agency was informed that the affected area was inaccessible for security reasons, prompting the plant to explore alternative methods for repairing the line.

The situation at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which is Europe's largest and ranks among the world's top ten, remains precarious. Both Moscow and Kyiv have repeatedly accused each other of military actions around the facility, raising fears of a potential nuclear catastrophe.

IAEA personnel have maintained a presence at the plant since September 1, 2022. The plant has been under Russian control since March 2022.