Russia claims Ukrainian drones targeted its nuclear plant, triggering fire

The attack occurred on a day when Ukraine was celebrating its Independence Day.

According to reports, the drone targeted the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant, which is located close to the Ukrainian border.

Sharing details about the attack, the official press service of the plant wrote on Telegram: "On August 24 at 00:26 Moscow time, an unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UAV) of the Ukrainian Armed Forces was shot down by air defense near the Kursk NPP."

"The device detonated when it fell, damaging the transformer for its own needs," the statement said.

Fire crews extinguished the blaze.

"As a result, unit No. 3 was unloaded by 50%," the plant said.

No casualties have been reported in the attack.

"Currently, unit 3 is in operation at the Kursk NPP. Unit 4 is undergoing scheduled maintenance. Units 1 and 2 are in operation without generation. The radiation background at the industrial site of the Kursk NPP and the adjacent territory has not changed and corresponds to natural values," the plant said.

The International Atomic Energy Agency said it is currently monitoring the situation at the plant.

IAEA said: " IAEA monitoring confirms normal radiation levels near Kursk NPP; Russia says reactor unit’s power reduced due to auxiliary transformer damage but fire extinguished and no injuries." 

Ukraine will continue to fight: Zelenskyy

Meanwhile, in his message to the nation on Independence Day, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his nation will continue the battle to defend the independence of the country.

"Ukraine is now in the fourth year of the full-scale war, preserving its independence, its sovereignty, and our state’s ability to achieve – and keep achieving – the necessary results," he wrote on X.

Zelenskyy further said: "We are confident that we will withstand this war – the Ukrainian state, the Ukrainian people."

"We will defend our independence and our land – and the right to an independent national life for Ukrainians. So that our children and grandchildren, and their children and grandchildren, can live safely on their land and by their own rules," he said.

Wishing Ukraine on Independence Day, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said: " The United States is committed to Ukraine’s future as an independent nation. We believe in a negotiated settlement that upholds Ukrainian sovereignty and guarantees its long-term security, leading to durable peace."