The Russian-appointed administration in the southeastern Ukrainian city of Energodar has alleged that Ukrainian forces launched an artillery strike aimed at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant using Western long-range weapons, RIA reported on Saturday.

Officials in Energodar administration told RIA that they are verifying whether there are injuries due to the strike. 

Ukraine has not yet responded to the allegation.

A flare-up in fighting around the Zaporizhzhia plant – with both Russia and Ukraine blaming each other for attacks – has raised international attention. 

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres mentioned the Zaporizhzhia plant during an interview with CGTN in his latest visit to Ukraine.

"I believe it's essential to come to an agreement that will not allow any military operations in relation to the area and at the same time, that would allow it to return to its civilian nature," Guterres said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed that a team of independent inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) - UN's nuclear watchdog- can travel to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, Al Jazeera reported on Friday. 

Rafael Mariano Grossi, the director general of IAEA, welcomed President Putin's statement on Friday and said he would himself lead this mission.

"In this highly volatile and fragile situation, it is of vital importance that no new action is taken that could further endanger the safety and security of one of the world's largest nuclear power plants," Grossi said.

Zaporizhzhia plant, also known as Europe's largest nuclear power plant, was captured by Russia in March but is still run by Ukrainian technicians. Only two of the facility's six reactors are working.

(With input from agencies)