Kudansk power plant fallout: Missile debris heightens tensions
Russia informed the International Atomic Energy Agency that fragments of downed missiles were discovered at the site of an atomic power plant in the Kursk Oblast. Ukrainians are leading the offensive in the region.
Much of the information provided by Russian and Belarusian media or government representatives is part of propaganda. Such reports are part of an information war conducted by Russia or Belarus.
In a letter from Russian diplomats to the IAEA, it was indicated that on 8 August, fragments and remnants of what were likely downed missiles were found at the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant. It was indicated that they were discovered, among other places, in the radioactive waste processing complex.
At the same time, no direct attacks on the city of Kurchatov, the nuclear power plant, or energy infrastructure facilities were recorded. However, "the situation in the city and at the station remains tense."
"Ukraine's reckless actions threaten not only the Russian nuclear facility but also the entire global nuclear industry," the mission stated.
The IAEA had earlier conveyed that it is "monitoring" the situation in the region in light of the Ukrainian offensive that began on 6 August.
On 9 August, the authorities of the Kursk region reported that a Ukrainian drone attack on a transformer substation left the city of Kurchatov and neighbouring areas without power for a few hours. Security measures at the nuclear power plant were tightened.
Rosatom calms concerns
According to Rosatom, the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant operates normally, and background radiation at the station and in Kurchatov is within normal limits.
The National Atomic Energy Agency in Poland is also constantly analysing data. "The PAA has not recorded any alarming indications from the measuring apparatus. Currently, there is no threat to human health and life, or the environment, in the territory of the Republic of Poland," the communication stated.
The Kursk Nuclear Power Plant is one of Russia's three largest nuclear power plants. According to analysts, the Ukrainian Armed Forces are about 50 kilometres from the station, and they will unlikely reach it.
