Russia Claims Ukraine Attempted Attack on Kursk Nuclear Plant
Russia accuses Ukraine of a failed attack on Kursk nuclear power station, labeling it "nuclear terrorism". IAEA head to visit amid heightened tensions following recent border incursion.
On August 23, 2024, Russian authorities alleged that Ukraine attempted to attack the Kursk nuclear power station, located in western Russia. This accusation comes amidst ongoing tensions following a recent Ukrainian military operation in the region.
According to Russian state news agency TASS, an unidentified source reported that a drone was intercepted near a storage facility for spent nuclear fuel. The Russian Foreign Ministry, through spokesperson Maria Zakharova, characterized the alleged incident as an "act of nuclear terrorism" and called for an immediate response from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The Kursk Nuclear Power Plant, situated in Kurchatov, Kursk Oblast, is the largest nuclear power facility in Russia by energy output. It utilizes RBMK-1000 reactors, similar to those employed at Chernobyl, and provides approximately 50% of the electricity for the Central Black Earth Region of Russia.
The Ukrainian defense ministry has not responded to requests for comment on these allegations. It's worth noting that this is the second such claim made by Moscow in two days, with Vladimir Putin previously accusing Ukraine of attempting to target the facility.
The accusations coincide with an upcoming visit by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi to the power station, scheduled for the following week. Grossi has urged maximum restraint to prevent any potential nuclear incidents.
This situation unfolds against the backdrop of a significant Ukrainian military operation that began on August 6, 2024. The incursion, described as the largest into Russia by a foreign power since World War II, saw Ukrainian forces advance approximately 30 kilometers into Russian territory.
The Kursk Nuclear Power Plant, which has been operational since 1976, consists of four reactors, with two currently active. Construction of two additional reactors commenced in 2018. The facility has undergone safety upgrades following the Fukushima disaster and employs over 4,500 people.
Russian state nuclear firm Rosenergoatom announced that unit number 4 at the plant would be disconnected from the grid on August 27, 2024, for scheduled maintenance lasting 59 days. This maintenance will involve modernization efforts and extending the service life of equipment.
As tensions continue to escalate, the international community remains focused on ensuring the safety and security of nuclear facilities in the region. The outcome of the IAEA's upcoming visit and any potential findings may play a crucial role in addressing these concerns and promoting stability in the area.
