UN Chief expresses concerns about the situation in Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station

United Nations, Aug 12 : UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has stated that he is "gravely worried" about the situation that is unfolding in and around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in the southern part of Ukraine.

"I have urged everyone involved to use common sense and sanity and to refrain from taking any actions that could endanger the integrity security, safety or security of the nuclear facility," he added on Thursday in an announcement.

Ukraine as well as Russia have been arguing over a strike at the Zaporizhzhia plant which is considered to be one of the largest atomic power plants in Europe and produces about a quarter of Ukraines electricity consumption, Xinhua news agency reported.In the statement, Guterres said the UN will continue to support in full the vital task of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and its efforts to ensure safe operation of the Zaporizhzhia plant "I insist on the parties to give the IAEA mission with immediate secure and unhindered access to the website," he added.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated on Wednesday that, instead of making absurd statements such as establishing an air no-fly zone around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, it is essential to allow the IAEA to conduct an inspection of the facility.Zakharova stated that Russia demanded an UN Security Council meeting on the shelling of the Zaporizhzhia plant, and that the international community must take a comprehensive look at the situation.int/khz/ .