A Ukrainian drone targeted the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant-2 on Thursday as UN atomic watchdog chief Rafael Grossi praised Russian advancements in nuclear technology during his visit to Moscow. The attack occurred amid escalating tensions at the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant, which has relied on backup diesel generators for the tenth time since Russia’s occupation in 2022.

Kursk regional governor Alexander Khinshtein reported that the UAV struck an auxiliary building at the Kurchatov construction site, causing minor structural damage but no fires or casualties. Rosenergoatom confirmed the facility remained operational with stable radiation levels.

During the Global Atomic Forum, Grossi highlighted Russia’s leadership in nuclear innovations, including floating power plants and fusion research. He invited Russian firms to a Vienna conference on AI in the nuclear sector and proposed IAEA collaboration with the BRICS New Development Bank.

Later, Grossi met President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin, where they discussed global nuclear safety and Moscow’s cooperation with the IAEA. Putin pledged continued support for the agency, stating, “We will do everything in our power to support your activities.”

Russian officials have condemned the Ukrainian army’s repeated attacks on nuclear facilities, labeling them “nuclear terrorism” and warning of catastrophic consequences. Rosatom head Alexey Likhachev suggested Grossi was aware of the source of these strikes but faced constraints in public statements.