Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine on Thursday of attempting to strike a significant nuclear power plant in the Kursk region of southwestern Russia.
During a government meeting, Putin stated, “Today, the enemy tried to attack a nuclear power station,” referring to the Kursk plant.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been informed of the incident, and Putin expressed hope that they would send specialists to assess the situation.
Kursk region Governor Aleksei Smirnov assured Putin that the situation at the plant remains “stable and under control,” following a visit by First Deputy Chief of Staff Sergei Kiriyenko and officials from Russia’s atomic agency.
IAEA head Rafael Grossi is expected to visit the Kursk plant next week, following Ukraine’s recent counteroffensive in the region.
The Kursk nuclear plant consists of six units, with two shut down, two fully operational, and two under construction.
Grossi previously stated that he was in contact with both Russian and Ukrainian authorities and would keep the international community informed as needed.
