Russian Drone Intercepted Near Kursk Nuclear Power Plant

MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russian forces intercepted a Ukrainian drone on Thursday near the Russian town of Kurchatov. Fortunately, there was no damage to the nearby Kursk nuclear power plant, according to regional governor Alexei Smirnov.

Debris from the drone caused explosions in a building unrelated to the plant. Several Russian Telegram channels reported the alleged Ukrainian attack, claiming it was thwarted by air defenses but resulted in a fire several miles from the nuclear facility.

The plant’s operator, Rosenergoatom, confirmed that the facility is operating normally and radiation levels remain within acceptable limits.

Reuters has not independently verified these reports.

Ukrainian forces conducted a surprise cross-border incursion into the Kursk region on August 6 and continue their presence there, despite ongoing efforts by Russian military forces to expel them.

Additionally, Rafael Grossi, head of the U.N. nuclear watchdog, visited the nuclear plant on August 27, highlighting concerns over the plant’s vulnerability due to the lack of a protective dome that could safeguard it from missiles, drones, or artillery.