The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has carried out a nuclear safety and security mission to the South Ukraine nuclear power station as it steps up its efforts to help prevent a nuclear accident.

IAEA director-general Rafael Grossi said the mission, requested by Ukraine, was one of a number of missions to provide onsite assistance and support in nuclear safety and security to the country’s nuclear power stations, including South Ukraine, Rovno, Khmelnitski and the Chernobyl site to which the agency sent a mission two weeks ago.

IAEA experts said staff continue to operate the South Ukraine station with “high professionalism”, despite the very challenging conditions arising from the armed conflict in Ukraine, with numerous air raid warnings.