IAEA Monitors Mine-Clearing Near Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Plant to Facilitate Critical Power Line Repairs
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has begun monitoring mine-clearing operations near Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) as part of efforts to maintain a recently negotiated localized ceasefire and ensure nuclear safety in the conflict zone.
According to IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, Agency experts on Sunday started observing de-mining activities in frontline areas where repairs to the plant’s main 750-kilovolt (kV) external power line are expected to begin in the coming days.
The move follows a ceasefire arrangement brokered by the IAEA after an incident on Friday reportedly injured several Russian military personnel in the area. The de-mining work is considered essential before repair crews can safely access damaged infrastructure linked to the plant’s power supply.
This marks the first time IAEA personnel have directly monitored mine-clearing activities as part of localized ceasefire agreements around the Zaporizhzhya facility. In five previous IAEA-mediated ceasefires aimed at safeguarding nuclear operations, Agency teams oversaw repair work but did not participate in monitoring de-mining efforts.
The restoration of the 750 kV power line is regarded as a critical step in reinforcing the plant’s external electricity supply, a key component for maintaining nuclear safety and preventing potential accidents.
Director General Grossi reiterated the Agency’s commitment to protecting nuclear facilities amid ongoing military hostilities, emphasizing that the IAEA will continue working with all parties to reduce risks and help prevent a nuclear accident during the conflict.
The Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant, Europe's largest nuclear facility, has remained a focal point of international concern since the outbreak of the war, with repeated warnings from the IAEA regarding the dangers posed by military activity around nuclear infrastructure.
