Russia considers 'necessary' UN team's visit to Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Russia said Monday it sees as necessary the visit by representatives of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine.

Speaking at a press briefing in Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow has been waiting for the IAEA mission's visit for a long time.

"Russia is interested in this mission. The delegation that took part in its operation is open to cooperation and interaction, and possible modalities for further actions will be discussed on the spot, everything will depend on the details.

"I repeat once again: We have been waiting for this mission for a long time, we consider it necessary," he said.

Peskov reassured that Russia will provide security for the mission on the territory under its control and called on Ukraine to stop shelling the station at the time of the visit.

Earlier in the day, a Ukrainian official said 10 people were injured in Russian shelling near the plant.

Rafael Mariano Grossi, head of the IAEA, said Monday the mission was on its way and will visit the embattled power plant this week.

Under Moscow’s control since early in the Russian-launched war, Europe's largest nuclear power plant has been shelled several times, raising concerns of a nuclear disaster.

The IAEA will discuss the options of further cooperation aiming to secure the plant from destruction, including organizing a permanent stay of the IAEA experts at the plant.