Online Report : Ukraine has launched a major series of drone attacks on Russian nuclear installations, causing significant damage to the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant and sparking a massive fire at the Ust-Luga fuel export terminal, according to Russian officials.

The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that on Sunday, 24 August, at least 95 Ukrainian drones were intercepted across various regions. This came on Ukraine`s Independence Day, marking its break from the Soviet Union in 1991.

The Kursk Nuclear Power Plant, located just 60 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, reported that one of its drones was shot down shortly after midnight. The explosion caused severe damage to a support transformer, reducing the output of Reactor No. 3 by 50%.

Despite the damage, plant authorities have assured the public that radiation levels are stable, and no injuries were reported. Other reactors are still in operation, although one is undergoing repairs.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed the fire caused by the transformer explosion but emphasized that nuclear facilities must be safeguarded at all costs.

In the Leningrad region, located on the Gulf of Finland, at least 10 Ukrainian drones were shot down near the Ust-Luga port. The resulting debris set off a fire at the Novatek-operated fuel terminal, a key hub for fuel exports and processing along the Baltic coast.

Footage shared on Russian Telegram channels shows a drone striking the terminal, followed by a massive explosion and a towering inferno, sending thick black smoke into the sky.

Governor Alexander Drozdenko of Leningrad region confirmed that emergency responders were working to bring the fire under control. He added that, fortunately, no casualties were reported.