The IAEA has confirmed the start of work at the ZNPP after a long absence of power supply

At the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant, which is under occupation, work has begun to restore the external power supply after a 4-week blackout.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi reported this, noting that the establishment of local ceasefire zones could help repair damaged power lines near the station.

“It is important to restore external power to ensure nuclear safety and protection,” the IAEA noted.

Representatives of Ukraine previously stated that Russia deliberately disconnected the ZNPP from Ukraine’s energy system, attempted to test its connection to the Russian power grid, and, for almost a month, prevented repair work. At the same time, the IAEA report points to “constructive cooperation of both parties with the Agency for the implementation of a complex of repair works.”

On October 12, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andriy Sybiga, called on the international community to take urgent measures regarding the blackout at the Zaporizhia NPP, which is under Russian military control.

“The station has been in a state of blackout for three weeks — this poses a direct threat to nuclear safety,” the minister emphasized.

According to him, Russia’s actions that led to the disconnection of the power plant from the Ukrainian grid are a unique case in the history of nuclear energy.

Sybiga also pointed out that this is not only an attempt by Russia to appropriate the Ukrainian nuclear facility, but also a gross violation of international nuclear safety norms.

“The unauthorized actions of Rosatom contradict the Ukrainian licenses, creating risks for nuclear safety and misinforming the IAEA and the international community, as if the source of the problems lies not in Russia, but in other factors,” the minister added.

It should be noted that the Zaporizhia NPP was again left without external power on September 23, marking the tenth blackout since the beginning of the occupation.