On the 34th anniversary of its independence, Ukraine was accused by Russia of launching drone attacks that triggered a fire at a nuclear power plant in Russia’s western Kursk region. Russian officials said the overnight strike targeted multiple energy facilities, including the Kursk nuclear plant, where a transformer caught fire. The blaze was quickly extinguished and no injuries were reported. Radiation levels remained normal, according to plant authorities.
The International Atomic Energy Agency acknowledged reports of the incident but said it had not independently verified the cause of the fire. Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi stressed that “every nuclear facility must be protected at all times.”
Ukraine has not issued a statement on the alleged attack.
Elsewhere in Russia, a fire broke out at the port of Ust-Luga in the Leningrad region, where a major fuel export terminal is located. Russian officials said drone debris caused the blaze after around 10 Ukrainian drones were shot down.
According to Russia’s Defense Ministry, 95 Ukrainian drones were intercepted overnight. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s air force said Russia launched 72 drones and a cruise missile into Ukraine, with 48 drones successfully shot down or jammed.
The attacks occurred as Ukraine celebrated its independence from the Soviet Union, declared in 1991. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the nation from Kyiv’s Independence Square, emphasizing strength, security, and a future shaped by Ukrainians. He also referenced global concerns that Ukraine might be sidelined during recent U.S.-Russia talks in Alaska.
U.S. special envoy Keith Kellogg attended the day’s celebrations, receiving Ukraine’s Order of Merit. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived in Kyiv for official meetings. Norway pledged nearly $700 million in military aid for Ukrainian air defenses, including two Patriot systems.
Fighting continued in the Donetsk region, where Russia claimed to have seized two villages.
