Russia has accused Ukraine of launching a drone attack on the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant, located 60km from the Ukraine-Russia border, resulting in a fire and damage to an auxiliary transformer.
The incident, which occurred as Ukraine marked its 34th Independence Day, forced a 50% reduction in the operating capacity of one reactor.
Russian officials reported no injuries and stated that the fire was quickly extinguished, with radiation levels remaining normal, as confirmed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The attack is part of a broader escalation, with both nations trading accusations of targeting nuclear facilities, including the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.
The Kursk incident follows a pattern of Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, including a recent attack on the Druzhba pipeline, which supplies oil to the European Union.
Russia’s Ministry of Defence reported intercepting 95 Ukrainian drones overnight, while Ukraine’s air force said it downed or jammed 48 of 72 Russian drones and a cruise missile.
In the Kursk region, Ukrainian forces briefly occupied areas in August 2024 before Russian troops regained control by April.
The IAEA, while noting the fire was due to “military activity,” emphasized the need to protect nuclear facilities, with Director General Rafael Grossi underscoring the risks to nuclear safety.
As Ukraine celebrated its Independence Day, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke in Kyiv, stressing Ukraine’s resolve to build a secure future.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov criticized Zelenskyy’s push for immediate talks with President Vladimir Putin, accusing Ukraine of disrupting peace efforts.
Meanwhile, fighting persists in eastern Ukraine, with Russia claiming control of two Donetsk villages.
International support for Ukraine continues, with Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney visiting Kyiv and Norway pledging $695 million for air defense systems.
The Kursk attack underscores the fragile balance between military actions and nuclear safety as the conflict deepens.