Head Of IAEA: Mission To Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant In Next Days, If Negotiations Succeed

PLTN Zaporizhzhia di Ukraina. (Wikimedia Commons/Ralf1969)

JAKARTA - The United Nations nuclear watchdog will visit the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) in Ukraine in the coming days, if talks to gain access are successful.

Russia and Ukraine have repeatedly accused each other of shelling the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant facility, which was taken over by pro-Moscow forces soon after the February 24 invasion. The United Nations has called for the area to be demilitarized.

"I continue to consult very actively and intensively with all parties," International Atomic Energy Agency head Rafael Grossi said in a statement.

"The mission (to Zaporizhzhia) is expected to take place in the next few days, if the ongoing negotiations are successful."

Separately, Russia's Foreign Ministry said Moscow had given the mission the green light on June 3, blaming Kyiv for trying to disrupt promised inspections.

"We express deep regret that the mission has not been accomplished," ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a statement.