The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has taken a dangerous turn, with Russia accusing Ukraine of carrying out a drone attack on the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant.
The attack caused a fire and damage to an auxiliary transformer, forcing a 50% reduction in the operating capacity at reactor number three.
Fortunately, the fire was quickly extinguished with no injuries reported, and radiation levels were confirmed to be normal by the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Alexander Khinshtein, the Kursk region’s acting governor, condemned the attack, stating that it poses a significant threat to nuclear safety and violates international conventions.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety and security of nuclear facilities in the conflict zone. Russia and Ukraine have previously accused each other of attacks on the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in southeastern Ukraine, which is under Russian control.
The attack occurred as Ukraine celebrated its Independence Day, commemorating its 1991 declaration of independence from the Soviet Union.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a video address from Kyiv’s Independence Square, emphasizing the nation’s resolve to build a strong and secure Ukraine.
“We are building a Ukraine that will have enough strength and power to live in security and peace,” Zelenskyy said, calling for a “just peace”.
The conflict has sparked diplomatic efforts, with the US and Russia engaging in talks to find a solution.
However, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov slammed Zelenskyy for “obstinately insisting” on meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, accusing Ukrainian authorities of trying to disrupt the peace process. Lavrov also accused Western countries of attempting to block peace negotiations.
Despite the challenges, Ukraine has received significant international support. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived in Kyiv on Sunday morning for meetings with Zelenskyy, expressing Canada’s solidarity with Ukraine. Norway also announced a substantial military aid package, pledging about $695 million for air defense systems.
The conflict continues to rage on, with Russia claiming to have seized two villages in the Donetsk region. Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia fired 72 drones and decoys, along with a cruise missile, into Ukraine, while Ukraine’s military said it intercepted 48 drones.
As the situation remains fluid, the international community watches closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.