Russia intercepts drone near Kursk, no damage to nuclear plant, governor says

Russia intercepts drone near Kursk, no damage to nuclear plant, governor says

Russian forces intercepted a Ukrainian drone on Thursday near the Russian town of Kurchatov but there was no damage to the nearby Kursk nuclear power plant, the regional governor said.

Governor Alexei Smirnov said debris from the drone caused explosions in a building unrelated to the plant.

Several Russian Telegram channels earlier reported the alleged Ukrainian attack, which they said had been thwarted by air defences but had resulted in a fire several miles from the nuclear plant.

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

RSF index reveals that press freedom gaps widened globally in 2025

The plant's operator, Rosenergoatom, said the facility was operating as usual and radiation levels remained within normal limits.

In a post on X, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Heorhiy Tykhyi denied that Ukraine had fired weapons at or near the plant.

Reuters could not independently confirm the reports.

Ukrainian forces entered Kursk region in a surprise cross-border incursion on Aug. 6 and remain there even as the Russian military tries to eject them.

Rafael Grossi, head of the U.N. nuclear watchdog, visited the nuclear plant on Aug. 27 and said it was especially vulnerable to a serious accident because it lacks a protective dome that could shield it from missiles, drones or artillery.