Ukraine Drone Attacks Ignite Fires at Russian Nuclear Plant and Fuel Terminal
Ukraine executed a significant drone offensive against Russia on Sunday, which resulted in a fire at one of the country's major nuclear plants and ignited a substantial blaze at Novatek's Ust-Luga fuel export terminal, according to confirmations from Russian officials.
The attacks coincided with Ukraine's Independence Day on August 24, as the conflict, now in its third year, persists along the extensive 2,000 km front line and penetrates deep within both nations through missile and drone assaults.
The Russian defense ministry reported that over 95 Ukrainian drones were intercepted across more than a dozen regions during the nighttime operation.
Fire at Kursk Nuclear Plant
At the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP), situated merely 60 km from the Ukrainian border, a drone was intercepted by air defenses near the facility shortly after midnight. The explosion damaged an auxiliary transformer, leading to a 50% reduction in the operational capacity of Reactor No. 3.
Authorities assured that radiation levels remained normal and no injuries were reported. Although two reactors are currently inactive, one for planned repairs, officials confirmed that the fire resulting from the strike had been contained.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) acknowledged awareness of the incident, emphasizing that nuclear facilities must remain protected from military activities at all times.
Blaze at Ust-Luga Fuel Terminal
In a separate incident almost 1,000 km to the north, at least 10 drones targeted the critical Ust-Luga port in Russia’s Leningrad region, resulting in a fire at Novatek’s large fuel export terminal.
Regional Governor Alexander Drozdenko indicated that debris from downed drones triggered the fire, confirming that there were no casualties. Dramatic and unverified footage on Russian social media depicted a drone crashing into a fuel tank, leading to a massive fireball and thick black smoke rising into the sky.
The Ust-Luga facility, managed by Novatek, processes gas condensate into products such as jet fuel, naphtha, fuel oil, and gasoil for international markets, with exports reaching destinations in Asia and Turkey.
Wider Impact Across Russia
The attacks also affected civilian activities. Russia’s civil aviation authority, Rosaviatsia, reported that several airports, including Pulkovo in St. Petersburg, had to suspend flights overnight.
In the Samara region, a drone struck an industrial site in the city of Syzran, injuring a child. Earlier this month, the Ukrainian military claimed responsibility for hitting the Rosneft-owned Syzran oil refinery, which led to a temporary shutdown.
Kyiv’s Silence
Ukraine has not officially commented on the recent wave of drone strikes. Nevertheless, Kyiv has consistently maintained that these operations are retaliatory measures in response to Moscow’s relentless bombardments and are intended to disrupt infrastructure critical to Russia’s military operations.
While both sides continue to discuss peace, the Independence Day assault highlights that the war — Europe’s deadliest since World War Two — shows no signs of abating.
