International Atomic Energy Agency director-general Rafael Grossi met Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on Thursday (19 January) to continue their discussions on a proposal to set up a nuclear safety and security protection zone around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station in southeastern Ukraine.

The six-unit Zaporizhzhia, Europe’s largest nuclear power station has repeatedly come under fire in recent months, triggering deepening nuclear safety and security concerns.

Grossi stressed that the zone is essential for preventing a severe nuclear accident and said he would press ahead with his efforts to make it happen as soon as possible.