Russia says decision could be taken Friday on timing of repair at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant

MOSCOW, Oct 16 (Reuters) - A Russian official said a decision could be taken as early as Friday on a pause in fighting to enable repairs to power lines at the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station in Ukraine, state media reported.

Alexei Likhachev, head of state nuclear corporation Rosatom, was quoted as saying that the implementation of a "quiet period" could allow for work on two damaged power lines to the plant, one on territory controlled by Russia and the other by Ukraine.

"This is a very difficult decision that requires a fair balance. It's very tentative, very preliminary, and it's possible that such a decision will be implemented as early as tomorrow," Likhachev was quoted as saying.

The Zaporizhzhia plant, Europe's largest, is not currently generating electricity but relies on external power to keep the nuclear material cool and prevent a serious accident.