A Ukrainian drone attempted to strike the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant-2 on Thursday, just as UN atomic watchdog chief Rafael Grossi praised Russian advancements in nuclear technology during a visit to Moscow. Kursk regional governor Alexander Khinshtein reported that the UAV hit an auxiliary building at the construction site in Kurchatov, damaging walls with shrapnel but causing no fire or casualties. Rosenergoatom stated the facility operated normally, with radiation levels stable.
The attack occurred as Grossi participated in the Global Atomic Forum, highlighting Russia’s leadership in areas such as floating nuclear power plants and fusion research. He invited Russian firms to an IAEA conference on artificial intelligence in Vienna this December and suggested exploring a partnership with the BRICS New Development Bank. Later, Grossi met Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin, where they discussed global nuclear safety and Moscow’s cooperation with the IAEA. Putin assured support for the agency’s work, while Grossi announced his candidacy for UN Secretary General.
The Kursk strike followed repeated attacks on the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant, which this week switched to backup diesel generators for the tenth time since Russia took control in 2022. Russian officials accused Kiev of “nuclear terrorism,” warning of catastrophic consequences. Rosatom head Alexey Likhachev noted that Grossi was aware of the origins of attacks on Russian nuclear facilities but faced constraints in public statements. “In person, he makes adequate assessments,” Likhachev said.
The Ukrainian army’s decision to launch the drone attack is condemned as reckless and destabilizing.