Russian authorities reported that Ukrainian drones sparked a fire at a nuclear power plant in the Kursk region late at night. This incident coincided with Ukraine’s 34th Independence Day, a significant date marking its separation from the Soviet Union in 1991.
The Russian side claimed multiple energy facilities were affected, although the fire was quickly brought under control. Damage was done to a transformer, but thankfully, radiation levels remained stable and no injuries were reported.
The United Nations’ nuclear observers acknowledged awareness of media reports about the transformer fire related to “military operations,” though they did not verify these claims independently.
In another notable development, a Russian drone crashed in Poland, prompting protests from Warsaw against airspace violations and the intention to file formal complaints.
Rafael Mariano Grossi, the director of the International Atomic Energy Agency, emphasized that “All nuclear facilities must be protected at all times.”
Additionally, a fire ignited at the UST-Luga port in Russia’s Leningrad region, where significant fuel export terminals are located. The regional governor reported that approximately ten Ukrainian drones were intercepted, and their debris caused the flames.
According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, air defenses successfully thwarted 95 Ukrainian drones intruding into Russian territory on a recent Sunday. The Ukrainian air force countered that Russia deployed 72 drones, decoys, and cruise missiles overnight, with 48 drones either downed or disabled.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the nation in a video from Kyiv’s Independence Square, stating that the country is constructing itself with the strength necessary for security and peace. He expressed a desire for a “just peace,” affirming, “Our future is just us.” He also acknowledged the recent US-Russia Summit in Alaska, remarking, “The world knows this. And the world respects this. It respects Ukraine. It recognizes Ukraine as equal.”
