A missile strike and drone attack were registered near a Russian nuclear power plant in the western Kursk region, Russian authorities announced, BTA reported. The incident took place against the backdrop of strained relations between Russia and Ukraine. One of the drones, launched from the Ukrainian side, was shot down by Russian air defense.
Accident and authorities' reaction
According to reports from the Russian side, the drone detonated upon impact and damaged a transformer in the area of the nuclear power plant. Fortunately, the incident did not lead to an increase in radiation levels, and there were no casualties. The information was distributed by the official account of the plant in the messaging application Telegram.
International reaction and concern
The incident at the Kursk nuclear power plant caused serious concern in the international community, especially in the context of the ongoing war. The UN's International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has repeatedly called on both Russia and Ukraine to exercise maximum restraint regarding nuclear facilities.
Military actions and tension
The drone incident occurred against the backdrop of strained relations between Russia and Ukraine, who have been in conflict for years. On Sunday, Ukraine celebrates its Independence Day, which marks the country's declaration of independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
Additional security measures
Following the incident, Russian authorities took additional measures for increased security around all critical infrastructure sites in the country.