The US State Department said it was “aware of reports that Russian personnel abused and coerced” staff at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine, calling Russia’s actions “reckless,” CNN reported, citing news.ro.

“We applaud the Ukrainian authorities and operators for their commitment to nuclear safety and security under the most difficult circumstances. The United States condemns in the strongest terms Russia’s reckless disregard for nuclear safety and security,” State Department spokesman Ned Price said.

Price said the International Atomic Energy Agency should be allowed access to the plant to “help ensure the safety and security of the plant and monitor nuclear material.”