Moscow Says Kyiv Struck Nuclear Power Plant, as Ukraine Celebrates Independence Day

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s air force said that Russia launched 72 drones and decoys, including a cruise missile, into Ukrainian territory overnight into Sunday.

The Independence Monument is pictured as Ukrainian flags blow in the wind in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Aug. 23, 2025. Sean Kilpatrick /The Canadian Press via AP

Russia accused Ukraine on Aug 24 of igniting a fire at a nuclear power plant in the western Kursk region overnight with drone attacks.

Several power and energy facilities were hit in overnight strikes, Russian officials said. The plant’s press service said on Telegram that the fire was quickly extinguished with no injuries to workers.