Vienna, 21 July 2023 (dpa/MIA) - Experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) continue to wait for access to the rooftops of the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant occupied by Russian troops.

Specialists carried out further inspections of the plant earlier this week and found "there was no visible indication of explosives or mines," an IAEA report released on Thursday said.

However, the IAEA continued to demand access to the rooftops of the reactors and their turbine halls, the statement said, citing IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi.

IAEA experts "did not report hearing any explosions over the past week, in contrast to the preceding week when it was almost a daily occurrence," Grossi said.

The IAEA continued to monitor the availability of water for the site, following the destruction of the Kakhovka dam in June and the subsequent depletion of the huge reservoir near the plant.

"The IAEA team reported that the available water supply remains relatively stable, with the water level decreasing by around 1 centimetre per day due to usage and evaporation. The site continues to have sufficient water for some months."

Ukraine has accused Russia of laying explosives at the nuclear plant, while Moscow in turn has accused Kiev of planning to attack the power plant with rockets and kamikaze drones.

The largest nuclear power plant in Europe has been under Russian control since the beginning of March 2022, shortly after Moscow's invasion. All six reactors have been shut down since September.

Photo: MIA archive