Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday announced an “openness to dialogue” with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regarding the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant, located in southern Ukraine and under Russian military control since March, AFP reports, Agerpres reports.

“We will talk about all issues of mutual interest or concern, such as the situation around the Zaporizhia NPP,” Putin said during a meeting with IAEA Director Rafael Grossi in St. Petersburg (northwest).

“In any case, we are open to this dialogue,” he emphasized.

For his part, Grossi said that he expects an “important conversation” on issues related to “nuclear safety”, especially at the Zaporizhzhia NPP.

“As you know, we have made efforts to prevent a nuclear accident, which would be very damaging in general and in this region in particular,” he added.

Last week, Russia officially appropriated the Zaporizhzhia power plant, which it had occupied since March, a decision condemned by Kyiv.

For several months, Moscow and Kyiv have been accusing each other of bombing at a location not far from the front line.

Russia militarily occupied the territory of the plant, and Vladimir Putin announced its annexation, as well as four Ukrainian regions