IAEA monitors mine clearance to facilitate repairs to Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant power lines

Vienna (ANTARA) - The International Atomiclar Energy Agency (IAEA) began monitoring mine clearance operations near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant on Sunday (7/6), a crucial step required before repairs to vital external power lines can commence, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi announced on Monday (8/6).

Speaking during a press conference, Grossi stated that IAEA teams were deployed to oversee the mine clearance work following a local ceasefire mediated by the IAEA along the front lines near the plant.

The ceasefire, announced on Friday (5/6), was intended to facilitate the repair of crucial power lines at the Zaporizhzhia plant. However, the work was delayed after Russian military personnel were reportedly injured during the initial phase of the mine clearance.

Grossi noted that he and his team consulted with both Russia and Ukraine over the weekend to ensure the ceasefire remains in effect and that repair operations can proceed. Once the mine clearance work is completed, repairs to the power lines are expected to begin within the next few days, the IAEA chief revealed.

Grossi reaffirmed the IAEA’s commitment to helping prevent a nuclear accident at the Zaporizhzhia plant amidst the ongoing conflict.