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

Ukraine’s air force said Russia launched 72 drones and decoys, including a cruise missile, into Ukrainian territory overnight into Aug. 24.

The Independence Monument and Ukrainian flags 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 office said on Telegram that the fire was quickly extinguished and that no workers were injured.