Zelensky proposes transferring control of the Zaporizhia nuclear plant to the IAEA

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has suggested that Russia transfer control of the disputed Zaporizhia nuclear power plant, which has been in battle since March, to the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Zelensky told the UN Security Council via video link on Wednesday that the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) expert mission should take control of the plant "as soon as possible" and on a permanent basis.

He added that Russia must unconditionally stop its "nuclear blackmail" and completely withdraw from the plant located in southern Ukraine.

Russia and Ukraine accuse each other of bombing the plant, raising fears of a catastrophe.

All parties support in principle the IAEA mission's examination of the critical safety and control systems of the sprawling plant.

But the agency's mission has yet to receive final approval from the warring parties amid disagreements over the details of the mission, including the route the experts will take to reach the station.

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