Ukraine Drone Attack Reduces Capacity of Russian Nuclear Plant

Ukraine launched a drone attack on Russia, forcing a sharp reduction in the capacity of a reactor at one of Russia's largest nuclear power plants and sparking a massive blaze at the Ust-Luga fuel export terminal, Russian officials said.

The blast damaged an auxiliary transformer and forced a 50% reduction in output at Reactor No. 3. (Photo: Aviateur · Moskva Wikimedia Commons)

The report was filed by Guy Faulconbridge and Lidia Kelly for Reuters.

Despite ongoing talk of peace, the deadliest European war since World War II continues along the 2,000-kilometer (1,250-mile) front line, with missile and drone strikes hitting deep into both Russia and Ukraine.

Russia’s defense ministry said it intercepted at least 95 Ukrainian drones across more than a dozen regions on August 24 — Ukraine’s Independence Day, marking its 1991 separation from the Soviet Union.

The Ust-Luga complex, which opened in 2013, processes gas condensate into light and heavy naphtha, jet fuel, fuel oil, and gasoil. It also enables exports of oil products and condensate to international markets.

The Kursk nuclear power plant, just 60 km (38 miles) from Ukraine’s border, reported that air defenses shot down a drone that detonated near the facility shortly after midnight.

The blast damaged an auxiliary transformer and forced a 50% reduction in output at Reactor No. 3. Radiation levels remained normal, and no injuries were reported from the fire sparked by the drone. Two other reactors are operating without generating electricity, while another is undergoing scheduled repairs.