In a communiqué released on its website, Shoigu explained Guterres the recent events occurred at the atomic power plant, controlled by Russian troops and repeatedly attacked by the Ukrainian army.

During the phone conversation, the two officials addressed the requirements so that the nuclear facility “can operate safely,” the text from the Russian Defense Ministry stated.

The Russian defense minister and the UN chief also exchanged views on the possibilities of conducting a “fact-finding mission” in connection with the attack on the Yelenovka prison in the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic, in which 50 Ukrainian prisoners were killed.

Among other issues, Shoigu and Guterres discussed the international body’s proposals to facilitate the export of Russian food and fertilizer.

The situation at the Zaporozhia nuclear power plant continues to escalate since Friday, August 5, when authorities in the town of Energodar reported attacks on the plant attributing them to Ukrainian forces.

On August 6, Rafael Grossi, director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), declared that the institution was “extremely concerned” about the warlike actions near the plant.

He warned that the risk of a nuclear catastrophe is “very real”. However, Ukrainian forces again attacked the facilities on August 12 and this Monday.

ef/iff/mv/odf