التحديث الحادي والأربعون بعد الثلاثمائة - بيان المدير العام للوكالة الدولية للطاقة الذرية بشأن الوضع في أوكرانيا (باللغة الإنكليزية)

Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) is operating on its sole remaining main power line after losing its only back-up line more than a week ago. The situation underscores the plant's continued vulnerability and the persistent risks to nuclear safety amid the conflict, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi warned today.

ZNPP's Ferosplavna-1 330 kV back-up off-site power line was disconnected on 10 February, reportedly as a result of military activity near the 330 kV switchyard operated by the Zaporizhzhya Thermal Power Plant (ZTPP). Despite this loss, the plant continues to rely on the 750 kV Dniprovska off-site power line, which is currently sustaining all essential nuclear safety functions.

The IAEA team stationed at the ZNPP continues to request detailed information on the nature and extent of the damage. The team has also sought access to the site's switchyard to observe and assess any potential impact first-hand. However, access to this area has been denied to the Agency's teams for several years due to security restrictions.

"The IAEA stands ready to accurately report on the nature of the damage and any impact on nuclear safety and security," said Director General Grossi.

While the timeframe for implementing the necessary repairs remains unknown, Director General Grossi confirmed that the IAEA has reached out to both sides with a proposed ceasefire window to enable safe assessment and repair of the damage. The Agency has previously facilitated four temporary ceasefire agreements, which allowed five separate repairs to power lines connected to the ZNPP.

"Reliable off-site power is fundamental to maintaining nuclear safety and security, as set out in both the IAEA's Seven Indispensable Pillars as well as the Five Principles to avoid a nuclear accident at the ZNPP" said Director General Grossi. "The Agency remains fully committed to supporting all necessary efforts to ensure the safe and secure operation of every nuclear facility in Ukraine."

Additionally, this week across Ukraine, IAEA teams at the Rivne and Khmelnitsky nuclear power plants (NPPs) reported having to take shelter several times. At the Chornobyl site, the IAEA team was informed of nine drones within the monitoring area, while at the Khmelnitsky NPP one drone was detected approximately four kilometres from the plant. The teams also reported that one operating NPP temporarily lost an off-site power line for less than a day.

The IAEA marked a significant milestone in its comprehensive assistance programme for Ukraine this month, completing its 200th delivery of equipment and support to help maintain nuclear safety and security amid the ongoing conflict. This week, under the medical assistance programme, 244 tables and 263 wardrobes were delivered to the Chornobyl NPP to improve staff living conditions. The delivery - the 204th in the assistance programme - was funded by Austria and Norway.

"The IAEA has been responding to Ukraine's requests for assistance since early on in conflict," said Director General Grossi. "Reaching 200 deliveries is a clear demonstration of the Agency's unwavering commitment to supporting nuclear safety and security across the country."

Related Resources

• Nuclear Safety, Security and Safeguards in Ukraine