The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency has appealed for “constructive efforts by all involved parties” to allow this month’s already delayed rotation of agency experts to and from Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station, where they are helping to ensure nuclear safety and security during the military conflict.

Rafael Grossi stressed the vital importance of the continued presence of the IAEA support and assistance mission at the six-unit Zaporizhzhia, Europe’s largest nuclear power station, in occupied southeast Ukraine. He said the mission has gained worldwide recognition and support since it was established almost half a year ago.

However, a planned rotation of the three experts present at the station since early January has been delayed for more than two weeks now, with the replacement team already in Ukraine.