IAEA head to continue contacts with Russia, Ukraine on safety zone around ZNPP in coming days

BRUSSELS. Jan 20 (Interfax) - International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi said he would continue consultations with Moscow and Kiev on the creation of a safety zone surrounding the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) in the coming days.

"Everybody agrees that the plant - located on the frontline in an active combat area - needs to be protected, but these are very complex negotiations. I will not stop until the much-needed zone is a reality. I will continue my intensive consultations with both Ukraine and the Russian Federation in the coming days and weeks," Grossi said in a statement published on the IAEA website.

He said he would make efforts to ensure that the safety zone around the ZNPP is created as soon as possible.

The nuclear power plant "continues to face daily dangers," Grossi said.

"Our team there continues to hear explosions close to the site, including two on Thursday," he said.

According to the statement, IAEA deployed its missions to several Ukrainian nuclear power plants, including the Chernobyl NPP, this week. Grossi personally visited these facilities. IAEA experts will be stationed at the Khmelnitsky NPP as well in the coming days.

The IAEA sent its mission to the ZNPP back on September 1, 2022.