Leaders of Ukraine and its allies want to preserve the safety of the largest nuclear plant in Europe. They have requested to send a delegation of the International Atomic Energy Agency to the site. Now, Russian President Vladimir Putin says he will allow inspectors to assess the situation.

The Zaporizhzhia complex has been under Russian control since the early days of the invasion. The site has come under repeated shelling, with both sides accusing the other of the attacks.

Putin talked with French President Emmanuel Macron by phone on Friday. They agreed on the importance of an IAEA mission deployment as soon as possible.
Putin said he is ready to reconsider his previous demand. He formerly said the mission should travel to the site through Russian territory.

On Thursday, the UN Secretary-General stressed the need for the site to be "demilitarized." Antonio Guterres said he wants to support the delegation.

Guterres said, "It is for the IAEA to decide how and when and how to develop an inspection or a visit or a presence in Zaporizhzhia."

A Russian representative in Vienna, where the IAEA is based, said the visit could take place early next month.