The International Atomic Energy Agency has been ready since June to provide a “stabilising” onsite presence at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station in Ukraine, but due to political factors and other considerations, a mission has not been possible, the agency’s director-general Rafael Grossi said.

Mr Grossi told a meeting of the United Nations security council in New York on Thursday (11 August) that “we cannot allow such factors to delay us any longer” Time is of the essence.”

Grossi said “IAEA experts would assess physical damage at the six-unit Zaporizhzhia, the largest commercial nuclear facility in Europe, determine if main and backup safety and security systems are functional, and evaluate working conditions of control room staff. “A mission would also allow us to perform urgent safeguards work,” he said.

“I ask that both sides of this armed conflict cooperate with the IAEA and allow for a mission to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear station as soon as possible. Time is of the essence, so I propose to hold this mission as soon as possible.”