The battle between Ukraine and Russia in Kursk poses a threat to the region’s nuclear power plant, the International Atomic Energy Agency has warned. 

Calling on both sides to exercise “maximum restraint”, Rafael Mariano Grossi, the agency’s director general, said a nuclear accident could have “serious radiological consequences”.

Mr Grossi added that it was imperative to ensure the physical integrity of the plant, which he said has six nuclear reactors, two of which are fully operational. 

The statement comes as the Ukrainian incursion into the Kursk region of Russia enters its fifth day. 

The Russian defence ministry said Kyiv’s troops have reached the southern outskirts of the town of Sudzha, which is around 44 miles from the Kursk power plant. 

Moscow is preparing to defend the plant and has blocked entrances to the facility, Russian media reports. 

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