MOSCOW, RUSSIA — Russia has accused Ukraine of a recent drone attack that allegedly targeted the Kursk nuclear power facility in Russia’s western region. According to Russian authorities, the overnight strikes on Sunday set a transformer at the plant on fire. The fire was reportedly extinguished quickly, with no casualties.
The alleged attack is part of a series of drone assaults Russia claims Ukraine launched on its energy and electrical infrastructure. While the transformer was damaged, Russian officials stated that radiation levels at the nuclear facility remained within normal limits. The UN nuclear watchdog, the IAEA, acknowledged it was aware of media reports of a fire “due to military activity,” but had not independently verified the claims.
In a separate incident, a fire was reported at the port of Ust-Luga, a major fuel export terminal in Russia’s Leningrad region. Russian authorities claimed to have intercepted 95 Ukrainian drones over their territory overnight into Sunday.
Retaliatory Strikes and International Response
The drone attacks occurred as Ukraine celebrated its 34th Independence Day. In response, Ukraine’s air force claimed it had shot down or jammed 48 of the 72 drones and a cruise missile that Russia launched overnight.
Amid the escalating hostilities, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney made a surprise visit to Kyiv. In a post on X, he stated that Canada would be “stepping up our support and our efforts towards a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.” He emphasized Canada’s commitment to increasing assistance to help end the conflict.
