In a critical move for global nuclear safety, Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a fifth localized ceasefire this year—mediated by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)—to repair damaged power lines at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP). The truce took effect on February 28, 2026, allowing teams to restore backup electricity crucial for preventing a potential disaster.
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi praised both sides for their cooperation, calling it a 'vital step' to safeguard the plant. 'This ceasefire paves the way for urgent repairs to secure off-site power,' he said. Meanwhile, Rosatom chief Alexey Likhachev confirmed Russian-led repair crews are already clearing mines and assessing damage under IAEA supervision.
The ZNPP, Europe’s largest nuclear facility, has faced repeated shelling and drone attacks since 2022. A 330-kilovolt backup line was recently damaged on February 10, escalating fears of a meltdown. With repairs expected to take days, the world watches nervously—hoping diplomacy holds ⏳.
