Drone hits cooling tower at Kursk nuclear power plant

On September 18, 2026, a drone strike hit the cooling tower of the Kursk nuclear power plant in western Russia. While the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported the incident occurred the previous day, Russia's state nuclear corporation, Rosatom, clarified that the strike caused only minor damage to the plant's No. 1 reactor unit.

According to official reports, the reactor continued to operate at 100% capacity following the attack. No fire was reported, and officials confirmed that radiation levels remain within normal parameters. The IAEA has issued a call for maximum military restraint from all involved parties to prevent a potential nuclear accident. Meanwhile, as tensions persist, reports indicate ongoing military activity elsewhere, including explosions in Kyiv and Russian missile strikes on Ukrainian port infrastructure.

The situation remains under international scrutiny, with the IAEA monitoring the safety of the facility. No further investigative findings or specific court actions regarding this strike have been announced, but the incident highlights the ongoing risks posed to critical infrastructure during the current conflict.