OIEA achieves fourth ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine to prevent nuclear catastrophe

Russia and Ukraine recently agreed to a localized ceasefire to allow repairs on the last reserve power line of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency. The agreement marks the fourth ceasefire negotiated by the IAEA since the start of the conflict, demonstrating its essential role in preventing nuclear accidents. Work on the line, which was disconnected on January 2 due to military activity, will begin in the coming days under international supervision.

“The IAEA continues to work closely with both parties to ensure the safety of this critical facility and prevent a catastrophe during the conflict. This temporary ceasefire demonstrates our indispensable commitment,” said Rafael Grossi, director general of the agency based in Vienna.

A nuclear power plant under occupation and constant military pressure

Zaporizhzhia, Europe’s largest nuclear facility, has been occupied by Russian forces since March 2022. Located on the banks of the Dnipro River, its six reactors have been shut down since the occupation, although the plant requires continuous power supply to keep cooling and safety systems operational. Moscow and Kyiv accuse each other of risking a nuclear disaster through attacks on the site.

The IAEA team at the plant has recorded numerous nearby explosions and multiple air alerts each day over the past week. Additionally, a military flying object was detected approximately 10 kilometers from the facility, increasing tension in the area.

Winter protections to ensure nuclear safety under adverse conditions

This week, IAEA specialists evaluated measures taken to ensure nuclear safety during extreme weather conditions. The inspection confirmed the implementation of winter protections designed to prevent water freezing in underground wells supplying the reactors’ cooling systems and spent fuel pools.

The plant reported that the pumps at the six shut-down reactors’ pumping stations will continue to operate even if ice forms on the surface of the intake canal. Currently, no ice has been detected in that area. Additional measures include temperature controls for local heating, ensuring emergency diesel generators remain operational in case of a new external power outage.

Air alerts and ongoing risk assessments

The IAEA maintains strict vigilance over military risks in the region. Reports indicate that successive airstrikes create vulnerabilities for nuclear safety. The situation in Zaporizhzhia has rapidly deteriorated in recent weeks, with a significant increase in fighting that raises danger for civilians and critical infrastructure.

The Chernobyl precedent: importance of reliable electrical infrastructure

Recently, a power line was disconnected at the Chernobyl nuclear plant after damage to a critical substation caused by military activity. This incident led Rafael Grossi to emphasize the vital importance of having a reliable electrical grid infrastructure for nuclear safety. The Chernobyl precedent highlights the potential consequences of the vulnerability of these facilities during armed conflicts.

Mandatory evacuation of minors and families in the front-line zone

Ukrainian authorities ordered this week the mandatory evacuation of minors and their families in five localities along the front line in the Zaporizhzhia region, amid the rapid escalation of fighting and recent Russian advances. According to official data, approximately 40 minors will be immediately relocated to the Cherkasy region to ensure their safety.

Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba acknowledged the difficulty of this measure but considered it necessary given the threat of constant bombings. “Under sustained fire, evacuation is the most responsible way to protect lives, especially children,” he stated. Authorities kept the specific locality names confidential to protect those still remaining in the area.

This mandatory evacuation order represents an escalation compared to previous weeks, when only residents were urged to leave combat zones without legal obligation. The Zaporizhzhia region, a strategic industrial area, is one of four regions claimed by Russia since the large-scale invasion began in February 2022, perpetuating long-term uncertainty about nuclear safety.