The IAEA reported that a drone struck the cooling tower of a reactor unit at the Kursk nuclear power plant early on Thursday, but said the plant remained operational and no fire occurred. Director General Rafael Grossi condemned attacks on nuclear sites and urged maximum military restraint to avert a nuclear accident. The incident follows a reported August 2025 drone engagement nearby and recalls fighting in the region during 2024.
IAEA Says Drone Hit Cooling Tower at Russia's Kursk Nuclear Plant — No Fire, Operations Unchanged
FILE PHOTO - The flag of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) flies in front of the UN seat in Vienna. (is associated with: «Drone struck cooling tower at Russia's Kursk nuclear plant, IAEA says») epa apa Schlager/APA/dpa
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on Friday that a drone struck the cooling tower of a reactor unit at Russia's Kursk nuclear power plant early on Thursday. The agency noted the plant was in operation at the time, that no fire broke out, and that the reactor's operating status remained unchanged.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi condemned the incident and warned of the risks posed by any attack on nuclear facilities. Grossi reiterated his call for "maximum military restraint" to prevent the risk of a nuclear accident and stressed the need to protect nuclear safety and security wherever facilities are located.
All attacks on nuclear facilities are unacceptable as they could endanger nuclear safety and security, irrespective of where they occur.
The IAEA said it is monitoring the situation at Kursk. Russian media previously reported that in August 2025 Russia's air defences shot down a Ukrainian combat drone near the same plant.
The Kursk region borders Ukraine and has been affected by cross-border strikes and counter-attacks amid Kyiv's defence against Russia's full-scale invasion. In 2024, Ukrainian forces made a surprise incursion into parts of the region and held territory there for several months.
IAEA statements underline international concern about incidents near nuclear sites and the imperative for restraint to avoid escalation that could endanger civilian populations and the environment.
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