Rafael Grossi, director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, has put forward a proposal to travel himself to the Chernobyl exclusion zone to negotiate with the Ukrainians and the Russians on a framework to uphold the principles of nuclear safety and protection of nuclear installations.

The offer came hours after Russian invasion forces seized control of Europe’s largest power station at Zaporizhzhia after a battle with Ukrainian troops that caused a fire and fears of an accident.

“I have indicated to both the Russian Federation and Ukraine my availability... to travel to Chernobyl as soon as possible,” Mr Grossi said in a press conference. Both sides are considering the possibility, he added.