The president of the European Council has praised the “courage and professionalism” of the International Atomic Energy Agency after a visit by its inspectors to the Zaporizhzhia plant in Ukraine, adding that their continued presence was “necessary” to ensure safety.
“Russia has put the world at risk,” wrote Charles Michel on Twitter. Europe’s largest nuclear power plant was seized by Russia shortly after it invaded Ukraine in February.
Ukrainian staff who continue to operate in the area say Russian troops have used it as a military base.
Michel said he spoke with the head of the UN nuclear agency, Rafael Grossi, after the much-anticipated visit on Thursday.
Some inspectors from the 14-member mission remained in the country.