Ukrainian Drone Strike Sparks Fire, Cuts Output at Russian Nuclear Plant

A Ukrainian drone attack caused a brief fire and damaged an auxiliary transformer at the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant, forcing a reduction in output at one of its units, the plant’s press service said early Sunday.

The statement, posted on Telegram, said air defenses shot down the drone near the plant, but its detonation damaged the transformer and triggered a fire that was later extinguished. No injuries were reported.

As a result, Unit Three was reduced to 50% of its operating capacity. Radiation levels at the site and surrounding area remained within normal limits, the press service added.

Ukraine did not immediately comment. Kyiv has previously said its strikes inside Russia target infrastructure vital to Moscow’s war effort and are retaliation for ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine.

Reuters could not independently verify the claim, and it was unclear where exactly the fire broke out. Russia’s REN TV, citing the plant’s press service, reported that the damaged transformer was not part of the facility’s nuclear section.