Ukrainian drone attack sparks fire at nuclear power plant in Russia's Kursk region

A Ukrainian drone attack has sparked a brief fire at a nuclear power plant in Russia's Kursk region, damaging an auxiliary transformer. This has reduced the operating capacity of one of the plant's power units, the Kursk NPP press service reported, Reuters reported, quoted by BTA.

No one was injured, but the explosion reduced the capacity of the plant's third unit by 50 percent. The drone caused a fire that has since been extinguished.

There has been no change in the radiation background at the plant or in the surrounding area, the press service said on "Telegram".

"A combat unmanned aerial vehicle belonging to the Armed Forces of Ukraine was shot down by air defense systems near the Kursk nuclear power plant," the statement said.

"The drone exploded upon impact, which damaged an auxiliary transformer," the power plant explained.

There has been no immediate comment from Ukraine. Kiev has said its strikes on Russia are in response to ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine and are aimed at destroying infrastructure considered key to Moscow's military efforts.

Reuters was unable to independently confirm the information. It is not known in which part of the plant the fire broke out.

Earlier, REN TV reported, citing the plant's press service, that the transformer was not part of the nuclear section of the Kursk NPP.