International Atomic Energy Agency director-general Rafael Grossi is aiming to secure agreement on a set of principles to protect the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station in Ukraine during the armed conflict, covering also the availability and security of external power supplies at all times.

Grossi said he is engaged in “intense negotiations” to secure the protection of the six-unit facility, which is near the frontline of fighting in the south of Ukraine.

He said recently negotiations were focused mainly on measures aimed at protecting the facility. Grossi had initially been focused on the establishment of a security and protection zone around the station. He held talks with Russia and Ukraine on the protection zone, but an agreement proved elusive.