Ukrainian Drone Strike Interception Causes Fire in Russia
(MENAFN) A Ukrainian drone was downed overnight near the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant, igniting a fire and damaging critical infrastructure, the facility’s press service announced early Sunday. The incident forced a 50% reduction in output from one of the reactors, though no injuries were reported.
In a post on Telegram, the plant said Russian air defense forces intercepted the drone at 12:26 a.m. local time (2126 GMT). The resulting explosion occurred on-site, sparking a blaze that was quickly brought under control. However, an auxiliary transformer sustained damage, prompting Unit 3 to operate at half capacity.
“Currently, Unit 3 is in operation at the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant. Unit 4 is undergoing scheduled maintenance. Units 1 and 2 are operating without generating power,” the facility stated, adding that radiation levels remain within safe limits at both the plant and in surrounding areas.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stated on the U.S. social media platform X that it was aware of reports indicating a transformer fire had occurred as a result of “military activity.” Director General Rafael Grossi emphasized, “Every nuclear facility must be protected at all times,” while the agency clarified it had no independent confirmation of the incident.
The Russian Defense Ministry claimed its forces intercepted 95 Ukrainian drones overnight across 13 regions, including Kursk and Crimea, the latter of which was annexed by Moscow in 2014.
Kursk Governor Alexander Khinshtein condemned the attack in a Telegram post, describing it as a serious threat to nuclear safety and a violation of international conventions.
Ukrainian officials have not commented publicly on the reported attack.
Located approximately 40 kilometers west of Kursk city and just under 94 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant is one of Russia’s largest and supplies electricity to 19 regions in the Central Federal District. The site has been on heightened alert since a Ukrainian incursion into the border region on Aug. 6, 2024.
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