Ukraine Hits Russian Nuclear Plant in Daring Independence Day Strike!
Ukraine drone hits Russian nuclear plant on Independence Day.
Russia accused Ukraine of launching a series of drone attacks overnight, including one that ignited a fire at the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant in its western region, coinciding with Ukraine’s 34th Independence Day celebrations. The fire, quickly extinguished, caused no injuries and left radiation levels within normal ranges, according to the plant’s press service on Telegram. The attack damaged an auxiliary transformer, temporarily reducing one reactor’s output by 50 percent, Russian officials reported.
The United Nations’ International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) noted media reports of the fire due to “military activity” but lacked independent confirmation. IAEA Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi emphasized that “every nuclear facility must be protected at all times,” urging restraint to prevent a nuclear incident. Ukraine has not officially commented on the alleged attack.
Simultaneously, a fire broke out at the port of Ust-Luga in Russia’s Leningrad region, a key fuel export hub, after debris from approximately 10 downed Ukrainian drones sparked the blaze, according to the regional governor. Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed its air defenses intercepted 95 Ukrainian drones across its territory overnight. In retaliation, Russia launched 72 drones and decoys, along with a cruise missile, into Ukraine, with 48 drones downed or jammed, Ukraine’s air force reported.
Also Read: Revealed: U.S. Secretly Blocks Ukraine’s Missile Strikes on Russia!
The strikes occurred as Ukraine marked its 1991 declaration of independence from the Soviet Union with festivities in Kyiv. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaking from Independence Square, underscored Ukraine’s resolve, stating, “We are building a Ukraine that will have enough strength and power to live in security and peace.” He called for a “just peace,” subtly referencing a recent U.S.-Russia summit in Alaska that raised concerns about sidelining Ukrainian interests.
International support for Ukraine was evident during the celebrations. U.S. Special Envoy Keith Kellogg, awarded the Ukrainian Order of Merit (1st Degree) by Zelenskyy, attended the events. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visited Kyiv for meetings, with Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, noting Canada’s steadfast support. Norway pledged 7 billion kroner ($695 million) for air defense systems, including two Patriot systems and radar, in collaboration with Germany.
Pope Leo XIV marked the occasion with a special appeal for peace during his weekly blessing, praying for Ukraine’s “martyred country” and sending a telegram to Zelenskyy, urging dialogue to silence the “clamour of arms.” Zelenskyy shared the message on X, alongside similar notes from other world leaders, reinforcing global solidarity.
Meanwhile, fighting persisted in eastern Ukraine, with Russia claiming control of two Donetsk region villages on Saturday. The Kursk incident, coupled with ongoing clashes, underscores the escalating risks of military actions near nuclear facilities, amplifying international concerns about the conflict’s potential for catastrophic consequences.
Also Read: Zelenskiy’s Bold Push for Ukraine’s Security Guarantees Nears Deal
