Russia accused Ukraine of striking a nuclear plant during Independence Day as Kyiv vowed resilience and allies pledged fresh military aid.
Russia on Sunday accused Ukraine of launching drone strikes that ignited a fire at a nuclear power plant in the Kursk region, coinciding with Ukraine’s Independence Day celebrations. Russian officials said energy facilities were hit, though the blaze was quickly extinguished and radiation levels remained normal. “Every nuclear facility must be protected at all times,” said Rafael Mariano Grossi, head of the UN’s nuclear watchdog, which noted it had not independently confirmed the incident.
Ukraine did not immediately comment on the allegation. Meanwhile, Moscow claimed its defenses intercepted 95 Ukrainian drones overnight, while Kyiv reported shooting down or jamming 48 of 72 Russian drones and a missile.
In Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy marked Independence Day by vowing Ukraine’s resilience. “We are building a Ukraine that will have enough strength and power to live in security and peace,” he said. Canada and Norway pledged new military aid, as Pope Leo XIV prayed for peace.