Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused Ukraine of attempting to attack the Kursk nuclear power station, located around 50 kilometers from where Ukrainian forces are conducting a cross-border offensive.
During a televised government meeting, Putin claimed that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) had been informed of the incident, although he provided no evidence or further details.
This accusation comes as Ukraine's offensive in the Kursk region enters its third week, with Kyiv claiming control of several Russian border settlements. The attack marks the most severe incursion by a foreign army into Russian territory since World War II.
Moscow also reported gains in eastern Ukraine and accused Ukrainian forces of attacking and sinking a cargo ferry near Crimea. The ferry docked at the port of Kavkaz in the Kerch Strait and reportedly carried fuel tanks. Ukrainian officials responded with cryptic comments, hinting at involvement.
Ukraine and Russia have repeatedly traded accusations regarding nuclear safety throughout their 2.5-year conflict. Russian forces currently control the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe's largest, which has been a focal point of these tensions.
Earlier this month, a fire broke out at one of the plant's cooling towers, with both sides blaming each other.
In response to Ukraine's offensive, Russia has taken measures to protect its border regions. Over 133,000 people have been evacuated from the Kursk region, and air-raid shelters are being installed in cities near the nuclear power plant.
Additionally, more than 110 schools near the border will conduct remote classes starting in September.
The FSB, Russia's security service, has launched a criminal case against several journalists, including a CNN correspondent, for allegedly crossing the border illegally while reporting on the situation in Kursk.
