Russia, Ukraine agree to temporary ceasefire at Zaporozhye NPP for backup transmission line's repair - IAEA

MOSCOW. Jan 19 (Interfax) - The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has obtained Russia's and Ukraine's consents for a local ceasefire to enable the repair of a backup transmission line disconnected from the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi was quoted by Ukrainian media as saying on Saturday.

"Technicians from Ukraine's electrical grid operator are expected to begin repair work on the 330 kV line - damaged and disconnected as a result of military activity on 2 January - in the coming days. The disconnection has left Europe's largest NPP dependent on its sole functioning 750 kV main power line" Grossi said.

An IAEA team travelled from Vienna to the frontline to monitor repair work, reports said.

"The IAEA continues to work closely with both sides to ensure nuclear safety at the ZNPP and to prevent a nuclear accident during the conflict. This temporary ceasefire, the fourth we have negotiated, demonstrates the indispensable role that we continue to play," Grossi said.

This information was confirmed by Russia's Permanent Representative to Vienna-based international organizations Mikhail Ulyanov.

"With the IAEA Secretariat's assistance, agreement has been reached on local ceasefire for the duration of repair work on a transmission line in the vicinity of Zaporozhye NPP," Ulyanov said on Telegram on Saturday.