On August 24, 2025, Russian officials stated that Ukraine launched drone attacks on a major nuclear power plant and a key fuel export port in Russia on Sunday. The attack led to a significant decrease in the capacity of one reactor at the nuclear power plant and a large fire at the fuel export port.
Russia accused Ukraine of launching drone attacks on a nuclear power plant in Kursk, in western Russia, on Sunday.
According to the nuclear power plant, located just 60 kilometers (38 miles) from the Ukrainian border, Russian air defense systems shot down a Ukrainian drone shortly after midnight, causing an explosion near the nuclear power plant that ignited a fire and damaged an auxiliary transformer, reducing the operating capacity of Reactor 3 by 50%.
The nuclear power plant stated that radiation levels were normal, and the drone-induced fire did not cause any casualties. The other two reactors are currently not generating power, with one undergoing planned maintenance.
The International Atomic Energy Agency stated that it was aware of reports of the transformer at the nuclear power plant catching fire due to military activities and emphasized that all nuclear facilities should be protected at all times.
Ukraine has not yet commented on the attack allegations made by Russia.
Meanwhile, a fire also broke out on Sunday at Ust-Luga port in the Leningrad region of Russia, located about 1000 kilometers north of the Gulf of Finland, the main fuel export port of Russia. The governor of the region claimed that about 10 Ukrainian drones were shot down over the port airspace, with the debris causing the fire.
Unverified videos released on the messaging app Telegram by Russia showed a drone crashing into the fuel port, followed by a massive flame shooting into the sky and thick black smoke billowing upwards.
The Russian Defense Ministry stated that early Sunday morning, Russian air defense systems intercepted at least 95 Ukrainian drones in more than ten regions.
At the same time, the Ukrainian Air Force said that Russia launched 72 drones and decoy missiles at Ukraine from late Saturday night to early Sunday morning, along with a cruise missile, with 48 drones being shot down or disrupted.
These events took place as Ukraine celebrated Independence Day, marking its 34th anniversary of independence from the Soviet Union. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky gave a video speech at Independence Square in the center of Kyiv, emphasizing the country’s determination to achieve peace and security.