The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, has held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Sochi, southern Russia.

Grossi is believed to have called for Russia's cooperation to ensure the safety of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine.

The Kremlin said that at the start of the talks on Wednesday, Putin noted that Grossi had "particularly sensitive and important issues on the agenda," and that Russia is ready to discuss them and do everything to protect security regarding nuclear energy.

Grossi reportedly replied that "these are very important times, there are challenges, and we will discuss those challenges."

Grossi posted on social media following the talks, describing the talks as an "important exchange" on nuclear safety and the security of the Zaporizhzhia plant.

Concerns about the safety of the Zaporizhzhia plant remain high as the facility has from time to time lost external power needed to maintain its cooling system as a result of ongoing attacks.

The IAEA has continued to hold talks with both Ukraine and Russia in a bid to maintain the plant's security.