(Reuters) - Ukraine told the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Tuesday that direct communications had been restored between the Chornobyl nuclear power plant and the state atomic power regulator after Russian troops left the facility, the IAEA said.

       IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said the development was "very good news," adding he would lead a team of experts to the plant later this month to carry out a series of assessments.

       Russian forces occupied the defunct power station soon after invading Ukraine but left on March 31, the IAEA said.

       (Reporting by David Ljunggren; Editing by Sandra Maler)