Ukraine Hits Russian Nuke Plant, Fuel Terminal in Massive Drone Attack on its Independence Day

Ukraine launched a large-scale drone attack deep into Russian territory on Sunday, striking a major nuclear power plant and a key fuel export terminal, as it marked its Independence Day. The audacious assault forced a sharp reduction in power at one of Russia’s largest nuclear facilities and ignited a massive blaze at a Baltic Sea port, underscoring the escalating nature of the conflict despite recent talk of peace.

Russia’s defence ministry reported that it had intercepted at least 95 Ukrainian drones across more than a dozen regions on August 24, the day Ukraine celebrates its 1991 declaration of independence from the Soviet Union. The attacks appeared to target critical energy infrastructure.

The Kursk nuclear power plant, located just 60 km from the Ukrainian border, was one of the primary targets. According to plant officials, a drone was shot down but detonated near the facility, damaging an auxiliary transformer. This forced a 50% reduction in the operating capacity of reactor Number 3. The plant assured that radiation levels remained normal and no injuries were reported from the resulting fire. The UN’s nuclear watchdog, the IAEA, acknowledged the reports and reiterated that all nuclear facilities must be protected.

Hundreds of kilometers to the north, a huge fire erupted at the Novatek-operated fuel terminal in the port of Ust-Luga on the Gulf of Finland. At least 10 Ukrainian drones were downed over the area, with falling debris sparking the blaze. Unverified footage on social media showed a drone flying directly into the terminal, followed by a massive fireball. The Ust-Luga complex is a vital hub for processing and exporting Russian fuel products, including naphtha and jet fuel, to Asian markets.

Other attacks were reported in the southern Russian city of Syzran, where an industrial enterprise was hit, injuring a child. This follows a strike on the Syzran oil refinery earlier this month. The widespread drone assault also led to the temporary closure of several Russian airports, including Pulkovo in St. Petersburg.

While there was no immediate official comment from Kyiv, Ukraine has consistently maintained that its strikes inside Russia are a legitimate response to Moscow’s ongoing aggression and are aimed at disrupting infrastructure critical to the Russian war effort.