Ukrainian drones target key Russian energy sites, including Kursk nuclear plant, on the 34th anniversary of independence.
On the 34th anniversary of its independence from the Soviet Union, Ukraine launched drone strikes targeting several energy facilities across Russia, including a nuclear power plant in the Kursk region, Russian officials said.
Nuclear Plant Hit, Fire Quickly Contained
According to Russia’s emergency services, a fire broke out at the Kursk nuclear power plant after a Ukrainian drone strike damaged a transformer. The blaze was quickly extinguished, and no injuries or radiation leaks were reported, the plant’s press service confirmed via Telegram.
The UN’s nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said it was aware of the incident but had not received independent confirmation. Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi emphasized:
“Every nuclear facility must be protected at all times.”
🎯 Key Targets and Russian Claims
- Russia accused Ukraine of hitting multiple power and energy sites in overnight drone strikes.
- 95 Ukrainian drones were reportedly intercepted by Russian air defenses.
- One of the targeted areas included the Ust-Luga port in the Leningrad region, where debris from a downed drone ignited a fire.
- Ukraine has not commented officially on the drone operations.
Ukraine Responds to Russian Attacks
In response, Russia launched 72 drones and decoys, along with one cruise missile into Ukraine, according to Ukraine’s air force.
Out of these, 48 drones were intercepted or jammed.
Ukraine Celebrates 34 Years of Independence
As drone warfare escalated, Ukrainians celebrated their Independence Day, marking the 1991 declaration of independence from the Soviet Union.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaking from Kyiv’s Independence Square, stated:
“We are building a Ukraine strong enough to live in security and peace.”
“What our future will be is up to us alone.”
International Support Pours In
- U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg attended the Kyiv celebrations and was awarded the Ukrainian Order of Merit.
- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visited Kyiv for meetings with Zelenskyy.
- Norway pledged $695 million in new military aid, including air defense systems co-funded with Germany.
- Pope Leo XIV called for peace during his Sunday blessing and sent a message of solidarity to Ukraine.
Fighting Continues in Eastern Ukraine
Meanwhile, Russia claimed to have captured two villages in Ukraine’s Donetsk region, as fighting continues on the eastern front.
Ukraine’s Independence Day saw a mix of patriotic celebration and heightened conflict. With drone warfare escalating and international voices calling for peace, the situation remains fragile. Both symbolic and strategic, these attacks underscore the enduring tensions in the ongoing war.
