Russia has accused Ukraine of launching overnight drone strikes that sparked a fire at a nuclear power plant in its western Kursk region, heightening concerns over the safety of critical infrastructure amid the ongoing war.
Authorities in Kursk said the blaze, which broke out after a transformer was hit, was quickly extinguished with no casualties reported. Radiation levels at the facility remained within normal range, the plant’s press service confirmed on Telegram.
The attack was part of a broader overnight assault, Russian officials claimed, targeting several energy facilities. In the Leningrad region, debris from intercepted drones triggered a fire at the port of Ust-Luga, a major hub for fuel exports. Governor Alexander Drozdenko said firefighters contained the flames after about ten drones were downed.
Ukraine has not responded to the accusations, but Kyiv has previously framed its strikes on Russian energy facilities as “justice” for attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) acknowledged reports of the fire in Kursk, with Director General Rafael Grossi stressing that “every nuclear facility must be protected at all times.” The UN nuclear watchdog has consistently called for maximum restraint around such sites, warning of catastrophic risks if conflict escalates near them.
The latest exchanges came as Ukraine marked Independence Day on Sunday, commemorating its 1991 separation from the Soviet Union. President Volodymyr Zelensky used the occasion to vow continued resistance, declaring in a video address: “Ukraine has not yet won, but it has certainly not lost.”
Western allies showed solidarity with Kyiv on the symbolic day. US envoy Keith Kellogg attended celebrations, while Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visited Kyiv for talks with Zelensky. King Charles of the United Kingdom also sent a message praising Ukrainians’ “unbreakable spirit” and urging a just and lasting peace.
