Europe's largest nuclear power plant has been shelled several times, raising concerns of a nuclear disaster.
Russia and Ukraine accuse each other of the attacks at the nuclear facility.
UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo expressed grave concern about the dangerous situation in and around the nuclear plant at an urgent Security Council meeting requested by Russia.
''Regrettably, despite numerous calls and appeals, instead of de-escalation, we continue to see almost daily reports of alarming incidents involving the plant,” said DiCarlo. ''If such incidents continue or escalate, we could face a disaster.''
Calling for the immediate withdrawal of troops and demilitarization of the site, she urged Russia and Ukraine to provide the UN's nuclear watchdog with immediate, secure and unfettered access to the plant.
She said there was an urgent need to reestablish Zaporizhzhya as a purely civilian infrastructure and to ensure the safety of the area.
''We must be clear that any potential damage to Zaporizhzhya or any other nuclear facilities in Ukraine leading to a possible nuclear incident would have catastrophic consequences, not only for the immediate vicinity, but for the region and beyond.”
