Ukrainian drones hit multiple targets deep inside Russia on Independence Day

On August 24, 2025, Ukraine launched a series of drone attacks deep inside Russian territory on the occasion of Ukraine's Independence Day. These strikes targeted key infrastructure sites, including the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant near the border and the Ust-Luga fuel export terminal on the Baltic Sea.

The attacks come amid the deadliest European war since World War Two, as conflict continues relentlessly along a vast 2,000 km front line, with missile and drone strikes piercing deep into both Russia and Ukraine.

Key Targets of the Drone Attacks

The Kursk Nuclear Power Plant, only 60 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, was hit shortly after midnight when Russian air defenses shot down a drone that detonated nearby.

This damaged an auxiliary transformer and forced the plant’s reactor No. 3 to reduce its power output by 50%. Despite the incident, radiation levels remained normal, and there were no reported injuries.

Simultaneously, in Russia's Leningrad region on the Gulf of Finland, at least ten Ukrainian drones were intercepted over the major Ust-Luga fuel export terminal operated by Novatek.

A drone strike sparked a significant fire at the terminal, causing plumes of black smoke but no injuries. Firefighters were actively battling the blaze during the attacks.

Did you know?
The Kursk Nuclear Power Plant lies just 60 km from the Ukrainian border, making it one of the closest nuclear facilities to an active conflict zone.

Impact on Russia’s Energy Infrastructure

The Ust-Luga complex, a crucial hub for processing gas condensates into various fuels for international markets, including Asia and Europe, suffered a notable disruption. Novatek’s operations, critical for shipping products like naphtha, jet fuel, and fuel oil, faced immediate challenges due to the fire.

Additionally, the attack on the Kursk nuclear facility forced the reduction of its reactor capacity, further straining Russia's energy systems. Two other reactors at Kursk are currently offline, and one is undergoing maintenance, amplifying the significance of this damage.

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Broader Conflict Context and Reactions

The day’s assaults follow a series of similar drone and missile strikes that have targeted Russian infrastructure multiple times recently. Russia’s defense ministry reported intercepting at least 95 Ukrainian drones over various regions on the same day.

Civil aviation in Russia was also disrupted, with several airports, including Pulkovo in Leningrad, halting flights for hours due to the attacks. Separately, an industrial site in Syzran suffered damage from Ukrainian strikes, injuring a child, highlighting the ongoing human toll of the conflict.

Kyiv has not officially commented on these specific drone attacks but has previously stated such strikes aim to degrade Moscow’s military capabilities and retaliate against continued Russian aggression.

The United Nations' International Atomic Energy Agency emphasized the critical need to safeguard all nuclear facilities amidst the hostilities, highlighting the risks such military activities pose to global safety.

These events underline the intensifying nature of the Russia-Ukraine conflict as it approaches its dramatic fifth year, with technology and tactical strikes becoming central to the ongoing war.

Looking ahead, the impact of these drone strikes may shift strategic calculations on both sides, influencing military operations and diplomatic efforts in the months to come.