Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), speaks at a special meeting of the IAEA Board of Governors in Vienna, Austria, on April 11, 2024. (IAEA/Handout via Xinhua)

VIENNA, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- Head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Friday night urged Ukraine and Russia to "exercise maximum restraint" to ensure nuclear safety in Russia's Kursk region, home to the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant (NPP).

IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi said in a statement that the agency has been "monitoring the situation on the reported military activities" near the Kursk NPP.

The IAEA chief urged all parties to abide by the seven indispensable pillars for ensuring nuclear safety and security during an armed conflict, adding that he is in contact with relevant Ukrainian and Russian authorities.