Ukraine launched a large-scale drone offensive on Sunday, striking deep inside Russian territory and causing disruptions at strategic sites. The attacks coincided with Ukraine’s Independence Day, underlining the intensifying scope of the war despite ongoing talk of peace.

Nuclear Plant Incident in Kursk

At the Kursk nuclear power plant, located near the Ukrainian border, air defences intercepted a drone that detonated close to the facility. The explosion damaged an auxiliary transformer, forcing reactor No. 3 to reduce its operating capacity by 50%.

Officials confirmed there was no radiation leak or injuries. However, the International Atomic Energy Agency reiterated its call for nuclear facilities to remain safeguarded at all times during conflict.

Fire at Ust-Luga Fuel Export Terminal

In Russia’s northern Leningrad region, drones struck the Ust-Luga terminal, a critical energy hub operated by Novatek. Online footage showed a drone flying directly into the site, sparking a massive blaze and sending plumes of black smoke across the Baltic coast.

The facility processes gas condensate into products such as naphtha, jet fuel, and fuel oil, with much of its output exported to Asian markets. No injuries were reported.

Widespread Impact

According to Russia’s Defence Ministry, 95 drones were intercepted across more than a dozen regions. The wave of attacks forced several airports, including Pulkovo in Leningrad, to suspend operations temporarily.

Separately, drones struck an industrial site in Syzran, injuring a child and causing further disruption to Russia’s infrastructure.

Rising Tensions

While Kyiv did not immediately comment, Ukrainian officials have consistently framed cross-border strikes as necessary responses to Russia’s ongoing attacks. The drone campaign underscores the deepening vulnerabilities of Russia’s infrastructure and the persistence of high-intensity conflict along and beyond the front lines.