Russia says Ukraine attacked its nuclear power plant facilities with drones

Ukraine celebrated its 34th Independence Day on Sunday against a backdrop of intense aerial attacks, with Russia accusing Kyiv of launching a massive drone assault on its territory, including a strike that caused a fire at a nuclear power plant. The solemn commemoration was bolstered by significant new military aid pledges from Western allies and a defiant address by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Russian officials reported a wave of overnight drone strikes targeting power and energy facilities. In the western Kursk region, a fire was ignited at a nuclear power facility. The plant’s press service confirmed the blaze was quickly extinguished with no injuries and that radiation levels remained normal, though a transformer was damaged. The United Nations’ nuclear watchdog acknowledged the reports but stated it had not received independent confirmation.

Further north, a major fuel export terminal in the port of Ust-Luga also caught fire after officials said debris from downed drones struck the facility. Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed its air defenses intercepted a total of 95 Ukrainian drones over its territory.

While Ukraine did not comment on the alleged attacks inside Russia, its own air force reported that Russia had fired 72 drones and a cruise missile into Ukraine overnight. Of these, 48 were successfully shot down or jammed by Ukrainian defenses.

In Kyiv, President Zelenskyy delivered a resolute video address from Independence Square, vowing to build a nation strong enough to secure peace. “What our future will be is up to us alone,” he stated, asserting Ukraine’s position as an equal on the world stage.

The celebrations were attended by key international partners. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visited Kyiv and announced a new military assistance package worth $1.5 billion. Zelenskyy noted that the two leaders were also considering the presence of Canadian forces in Ukraine as part of a reassurance mission.

Norway also committed significant new aid, pledging approximately $695 million for air defense systems, including two Patriot systems funded jointly with Germany. Meanwhile, from the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV offered prayers for peace in the “martyred country” to mark the occasion.

Russia has also declared that no peace talks will be held between Zelenskyy and Putin.