Russia has accused Ukraine of launching a drone attack on a nuclear power plant in the western Kursk region overnight, sparking a fire that was quickly extinguished without causing any injuries. Reports indicate that the strike damaged an auxiliary transformer, though radiation levels remained within normal limits.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) acknowledged reports of the incident in a post on X, noting that the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant experienced a fire due to alleged military activity. However, the UN nuclear watchdog clarified that it had no independent confirmation of these claims. The IAEA further stated that radiation levels near the plant were normal, adding that Russia had reduced power at one reactor unit due to transformer damage.

The alleged attack coincided with Ukraine marking its 34th Independence Day, while diplomatic attention shifts toward an expected trilateral meeting involving Moscow, Kyiv, and U.S. President Donald Trump as mediator.

Meanwhile, Russia reported that its air defense systems intercepted four Ukrainian guided aerial bombs and shot down 160 drones within the past 24 hours. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, 33 drones were destroyed over border regions, including 12 over Bryansk and one over Kaluga, between 9:30 a.m. and noon Moscow time.

Earlier this month, Moscow accused Kyiv of intensifying attacks ahead of an anticipated meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Russia’s Foreign Ministry claimed that Ukrainian strikes over the past week have killed 22 people and injured 105, sharing a map showing targeted areas within Russian territory.