Ukrainian drone hits Russian nuclear power plant

The incident occurred in the Voronezh region, close to the Ukrainian border, and was confirmed by Rosenergoatom, Russia’s state nuclear energy company.

Russia claims drone was ‘suppressed’ before impact

According to Rosenergoatom, the drone was “suppressed by technical means” before crashing into one of the plant’s cooling towers. The company reported no injuries or major damage but said the drone’s detonation left a visible black mark on the structure.

Radiation levels reportedly remain normal

Despite the explosion, officials said the plant continues to operate safely. Rosenergoatom assured the public that all radiation levels are within normal ranges and that there was no disruption to energy production or threat to nearby communities.

Moscow accuses Ukraine of nuclear terrorism

Russia labelled the incident “another act of aggression” by Ukrainian forces against nuclear infrastructure. The Kremlin has used similar language in the past to frame Ukrainian strikes as reckless and escalatory in nature.

Kyiv points finger at Russia for nuclear risk

Ukraine, however, argues that Russia is the real danger when it comes to nuclear safety. Ukrainian officials accuse Moscow of using power plants as military shields and say Russian attacks have repeatedly damaged energy and nuclear-related infrastructure.

Zaporizhzhia plant a major source of anxiety

The Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant remains at the centre of international concern. Though not generating electricity, the plant still requires constant power to cool its spent nuclear fuel and prevent a meltdown.

Blackouts threaten safety systems at key sites

Recent power outages at both Zaporizhzhia and Chernobyl have raised red flags globally. These facilities rely on uninterrupted electricity to run vital cooling and radiation monitoring systems. Without power, the risk of a nuclear incident grows significantly.

Chernobyl monitoring at risk, experts warn

Radiation detection systems at Chernobyl, managed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), could go blind during blackouts. Ukraine says Russia’s repeated strikes on power lines have compromised these safeguards.

Zelenskyy blasts IAEA response as ‘weak’

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sharply criticised the IAEA and its chief, Rafael Grossi, for what he called a lack of meaningful action. He warned that “weak and half-measures will not work” to protect global safety.

Ukraine urges stronger international response

Zelenskyy argued that every strike near a nuclear site, whether by drone, shelling, or sabotage, is a “global threat” and must be treated as such. He called on world powers to step in more forcefully to deter further attacks.

Putin denies responsibility, blames Ukraine

President Vladimir Putin rejected claims that Russia is behind the damage to nuclear plant infrastructure. Calling Ukraine’s accusations “nonsense,” he said Kyiv itself is attacking Zaporizhzhia and hinted that Russia may retaliate.

Escalation risks grow as blame game intensifies

With both nations accusing each other of targeting nuclear facilities, global concerns are mounting. Experts warn that the weaponisation of nuclear energy sites could lead to a catastrophic mistake or miscalculation.

Global agencies urged to act before it’s too late

The incident at Novovoronezh adds to a series of near-misses and nuclear risks since the war began. As these threats multiply, pressure is growing on the IAEA and international leaders to enforce stricter protections for all nuclear sites in the conflict zone.

This article is made and published by Edith Hejberg, which may have used AI in the preparation