Russia says IAEA is monitoring repair work at power plant: TASS

Russia says IAEA is monitoring repair work at power plant: TASS

Russia and IAEA Coordinate Ceasefire for Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant Repairs

Russia and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) are finalizing terms for a localized ceasefire to repair critical infrastructure at the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), according to Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev. The effort involves Russia's defense and foreign ministries, as well as the National Guard Service, to ensure the restoration of a backup power line damaged by Ukrainian military actions.

On February 10, Ukrainian forces reportedly shelled the Ferrosplavnaya-1 power line and associated infrastructure, disrupting electricity supplies to the ZNPP. While heating services were quickly restored, repairs to the high-voltage transmission line remain stalled due to the extent of the damage and ongoing hostilities in the area. Likhachev emphasized that the plant's electricity needs rely on these transmission lines, and any disruption poses significant risks to operational safety.

The IAEA has previously facilitated similar efforts. In January 2026, Director General Rafael Grossi announced a localized ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine to repair the last remaining backup power line to the ZNPP. This prior collaboration enabled initial assessments and safety measures, though full restoration requires extended stability. Current discussions aim to secure a longer-term pause in hostilities to complete repairs, which Likhachev estimates could take "several days".

Nuclear safety remains a central concern. Likhachev stated, "Nuclear safety is the top priority for us. And this problem needs to be resolved," underscoring the urgency of restoring redundant power systems to mitigate risks at the facility. The IAEA has not publicly commented on the latest ceasefire negotiations but has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding nuclear sites under its safeguard protocols.

The situation highlights broader energy and geopolitical tensions. Ukraine's disruption of Russian oil transit via the Druzhba pipeline has already prompted Hungary and Slovakia to suspend fuel supplies to Kyiv, while the EU debates sanctions packages targeting Russian energy exports. Repairs at ZNPP are critical not only for regional energy security but also for maintaining international confidence in nuclear facility safety amid ongoing conflicts.

(https://tass.com/economy/2090101): TASS, February 21, 2026
(https://tass.com/economy/2072655): TASS, January 16, 2026