International Atomic Energy Agency director-general Rafael Grossi said he received “strong support” during high-level meetings in New York for the urgent establishment of a nuclear safety and security protection zone around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station in Ukraine and has begun “detailed talks” with Ukraine and Russia on the subject.

Grossi said the talks are aimed at agreeing and implementing the zone around Europe’s largest nuclear power station as soon as possible. The zone would stop shelling damaging the plant and its crucial offsite power supply.

He said in an address to the IAEA’s general conference on Monday (26 September): “We know what needs to be done. It is possible. I am ready to continue consultations in both countries this week so that we can protect this plant.”