ST. PETERSBURG, October 21. /TASS/. A ceasefire remains in force to allow repairs to critical equipment at the Zaporozhye Thermal Power Plant (ZTPP), a step expected to improve the safety of the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev told journalists.

"The Zaporozhye NPP is in a safe condition, and work is ongoing - heroic, courageous work. The ceasefire continues, allowing us to repair equipment at the Zaporozhye TPP, which forms part of the nuclear facility’s power supply system. The ceasefire period was confirmed, work continued yesterday, and it will carry on today. We hope to finish the repairs by October 23, thereby further enhancing energy security and, consequently, the safety of the plant itself," Likhachev said.

He noted that a particularly difficult fall-winter season lies ahead. "We are preparing for it, and we will not abandon Energodar under any circumstances - people know this. The industry is also on high alert. <…> Dozens of tons of humanitarian aid are being delivered to Energodar. Some people have been evacuated to help them spend the winter in comfort and safety," the Rosatom CEO said, adding that the plant remains operational.

"We have about 4,200 employees, which is more than enough to keep the plant in its current condition. Yesterday, around 1,200 people were on shift. In other words, work continues. The plant is in a safe condition. The work being done is heroic and courageous," Likhachev emphasized.