Russia Accuses Ukraine of Nuclear Terrorism at Kursk Plant

Russia claims Ukraine attempted an overnight attack on the Kursk nuclear power station, branding it 'nuclear terrorism.' Ukraine's defense ministry has not responded. Russian forces reportedly shot down Ukrainian drones near the plant. The incident comes ahead of a visit by the U.N. atomic watchdog chief.

Russia accused Ukraine on Friday of attempting an overnight attack on the Kursk nuclear power station, labeling it an act of 'nuclear terrorism.' This comes days before the U.N. atomic watchdog chief is set to visit the site.

The Ukrainian defense ministry did not immediately comment on the allegations, marking the second such claim from Moscow in as many days. The Kursk nuclear plant, located in western Russia, has seen intensified fighting since Ukrainian forces launched a surprise incursion on August 6, targeting advancing Russian troops in eastern Ukraine. Moscow stated that its air defense units successfully intercepted three Ukrainian drones in the Kursk region, alleging a thwarted 'terrorist attack' against Russian facilities.

Russian state news agency TASS cited an unnamed source who claimed a drone was shot down near a storage facility for spent nuclear fuel at the Kursk plant. Reuters has not been able to independently verify these details. TASS also quoted Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, who described the incident as 'nuclear terrorism' necessitating an immediate U.N. response. IAEA Chief Rafael Grossi, due to visit the plant next week, has called for maximum restraint to prevent a nuclear accident.

(With inputs from agencies.)