Russia has faced a barrage of criticism at an annual conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency over a Ukrainian nuclear power plant occupied by Russian forces.

Delegates from around the world gave speeches at the IAEA General Conference that kicked off in Vienna on Monday. Many referred to the Zaporizhzhia plant, which lost its external power supply at one time due to incessant shelling.

US Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm said, "Russia's seizure of Ukrainian nuclear facilities casts doubt on Moscow's commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear energy." She called on Russia to immediately withdraw its troops from Ukraine.

Japan's Science and Technology Policy Minister Takaichi Sanae said in a video speech to the gathering that Russia's military activities around Ukrainian nuclear facilities are totally unacceptable. Takaichi said Japan condemns Russia's action in Ukraine in the strongest terms.

A Russian representative, meanwhile, accused Ukrainians of attacking the nuclear plant. The Russian official also insisted that there have been no Russian troops deployed inside the plant.

Talks between Ukraine and Russia are underway over IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi's proposal to set up a protection zone around the plant.