UN calls for demilitarised Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant - Euronews

UN calls for demilitarised zone around Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant | Euronews

The chief of the UN atomic watchdog said on Wednesday he was working on a compromise security plan for the Moscow-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant and warned of increased military activity around the facility

There are persistent fears over the safety of the plant, where there has been frequent shelling since Russian troops invaded last year.

During a rare visit to Europe's largest nuclear plant currently controlled by Russian forces, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, said he was working to find a compromise that would suit both Moscow and Kyiv.

"I am trying to prepare and propose realistic measures that will be approved by all parties," Grossi told reporters during a press tour organised by Moscow.

"We must avoid catastrophe. I am an optimist and I believe that this is possible," said Grossi, who arrived at the plant in a Russian armoured vehicle, surrounded by soldiers in full combat gear.

But he also warned of "increasing" military activity around the nuclear plant and hoped Russia and Ukraine would agree on safety principles.

He added that the visit to the plant was "extremely useful".

"The idea is to agree on certain principles, certain commitments, including not to attack the plant," he separately told press agencies.

Kyiv and Moscow have accused each other of shelling the plant, increasing fears of a disaster. The United Nations has called for a demilitarised zone around the site.