Ukraine accused of drone attack on Russian nuclear plant

On October 6, 2025, a drone reportedly struck the cooling tower of the Novovoronezh nuclear power plant in Russia, as claimed by the state-run company Rosenergoatom. They stated through a Telegram post that the drone detonated after being suppressed through technical means during its collision with the cooling tower. Fortunately, there were no injuries or significant damage reported, although a dark mark was left on the cooling structure. Furthermore, they asserted that the operational safety of the facility was assured and that radiation levels in the area remained normal. This incident was described as another act of aggression by Ukraine against Russian nuclear facilities, following earlier alleged attempts to target the Kursk and Smolensk nuclear power plants. Ukraine has previously countered these allegations, accusing Russia of recklessness around its nuclear sites, particularly in locations like Zaporizhzhia and Chernobyl, which are also affected by the ongoing conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized Russia's military actions, claiming they intentionally create threats of radiation incidents. He voiced concerns following a Russian assault that cut the power supply to the Chernobyl nuclear plant temporarily, emphasizing the critical need for consistent power to maintain essential cooling systems for spent fuel and prevent any potential nuclear incidents. Despite these challenges, Zelenskyy criticized the International Atomic Energy Agency's response, noting that weak measures are insufficient to address these urgent security threats leading to possible radiation risks. He called for strong and decisive action to safeguard Ukraine's nuclear sites amidst the escalating tensions in the region. Overall, this incident underscores the ongoing nuclear risks inherent in the conflict, with both parties citing aggression and peril to nuclear safety while struggling to maintain control over critical power infrastructure.