The International Atomic Energy Agency says its expert team will visit the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in southeastern Ukraine this week.

The plant has been under the control of Russian forces since early March.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said on Twitter, "The day has come." He said the support and assistance mission is on its way and will be in the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant "later this week."

Shelling has continued around the plant this month with Russia and Ukraine blaming each other for the attacks.

Last Thursday, the plant was temporarily cut off from the country's power grid, raising concerns about a severe accident.

The IAEA says its expert team will survey the physical damage to the facilities, and determine whether the main and back-up safety and security systems are functional.