The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) mission to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant in southern Ukraine arrived in the Ukrainian-held city of Zaporizhzhia on Wednesday, from where they will travel to the Russian-occupied power station.
The IAEA mission, headed by the organization's chief Rafael Grossi, intends to inspect the Zaporizhzhia plant after its territory was repeatedly shelled over the last month, with Ukraine and Russia trading blame over the attacks.
Ukraine's energy minister: IAEA mission a step towards 'de-occupying' nuclear plant
The mission is a step towards "de-occupying and demilitarizing" the site, Ukraine's energy minister told Reuters in an interview on Wednesday.
Speaking in the Zaporizhzhia, only 55 km away from the plant, German Galuschenko also said it was crucial for the mission, headed by IAEA chief Rafael Grossi, to be allowed to speak to staff at the site.
"It is important from our view... that the mission can speak to the staff, and get the real information, not Russian information, on what is inside," Galuschenko said.
Ukrainian staff are continuing to operate the plant under the supervision of the occupying Russian forces.
This is a developing story.