The U.S. reiterated concerns regarding Russia’s military takeover and continued control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

“The International Atomic Energy Agency must be given access to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant as soon as possible and in a manner that respects Ukraine’s full sovereignty to help ensure the safety and security of the plant and monitoring of its nuclear material.

The United States condemns in the strongest terms Russia’s reckless disregard for nuclear safety and security”, - State Department spokesman Ned Price said during a daily press briefing, adding that Washington and its allies “call on Russia to cease all military operations at or near Ukraine’s nuclear facilities”.

He also urged Russia to allow IAEA inspectors access to the nuclear power plant facility.