The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Raphael Grossi discussed today with the President of Russia Vladimir Putin about the safety of the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant, in southern Ukraine, which is under the control of Russian forces.

During their meeting in the Russian Black Sea resort of Sochi, “other global challenges” related to the issue of nuclear non-proliferation were also discussed, according to a post by Grossi on the X platform (formerly Twitter). The IAEA director said he had an “important exchange (of views) with the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin in Sochi”.

Russia is seen as a country that could exert diplomatic influence on Iran regarding its nuclear program. According to Russian news agency Interfax, Putin expressed Moscow’s intention to cooperate with the IAEA.

Neither Rafael Grossi nor the Kremlin would comment on further details of the meeting.

Earlier Grossi had announced that he intended to express to Putin his concern regarding the safety of the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant facilities, not only at this stage but also in the event of its re-operation.

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency has repeatedly called on Russia and Ukraine to show “maximum restraint” to avoid a nuclear catastrophe. It has warned that the condition of Europe’s largest nuclear power plant is “extremely precarious” due to ongoing hostilities nearby.