Russian ambassador to the UN Vasily Nebenzya

Russia's UN Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya asked the UN Secretariat whether Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had obtained a promise from Volodymyr Zelensky not to shell the Zaporozhye NPP.

During a UNSC meeting, Nebenzya said, “We didn't hear from the Secretary words of condemnation of what's going on other than appeals to - I quote that: 'military activities should be avoided at the Zaporozhye NPP.' I would like to ask DiCarlo, whether the Secretary-General managed to obtain from Volodymyr Zelensky's a promise to stop shelling the station?”

Elsewhere in his remarks, Nebenzya stated that Russia expects IAEA experts to visit Zaporozhye NPP as soon as possible to confirm the current situation on the ground.

"We expect that the IAEA trip mission will take place in the very near future and the agency experts will confirm the real situation at the station. We stand ready to extend maximum support possible to resolve all organizational issues," Nebenzia said.

"The [Russian] ministry of defense stands ready to provide the IAEA with high-resolution photos which show the weaponry ... is not located on the territory of the station," Nebenzia added.

Earlier today, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi revealed that an IAEA mission to the Zaporozhye NPP could take place within the next few days if the negotiations succeed.

The possible mission visit was discussed by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his French counterpart, Catherine Colonna during a phone conversation they held on Tuesday, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.