Russia accused Ukraine on Sunday of carrying out drone strikes that set off a fire at a nuclear power plant in the western Kursk region, even as Ukraine marked 34 years of independence.

Officials in Russia said several energy sites were targeted overnight. A transformer at the Kursk nuclear plant caught fire but was soon put out, with no injuries reported. The plant confirmed that radiation levels stayed within safe limits.

The UN’s nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said it was aware of the reports but had not independently confirmed them. Its director-general, Rafael Mariano Grossi, stressed that “every nuclear facility must be protected at all times.”

Ukraine has not commented on the alleged strike.

In another attack, a blaze broke out at the port of Ust-Luga in Russia’s Leningrad region after falling debris from intercepted drones hit the area. Local officials said about 10 drones were shot down there. Russia’s defense ministry claimed its air defenses intercepted 95 Ukrainian drones across the country overnight.

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched 72 drones and one cruise missile into Ukrainian territory during the same period. It said 48 drones were either destroyed or disabled.

Ukraine celebrated Independence Day, marking its 1991 break from the Soviet Union. In a video message from Kyiv’s Independence Square, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said:

“We are building a Ukraine that will have enough strength and power to live in security and peace.”

He added, “What our future will be is up to us alone. And the world knows this. And the world respects this. It respects Ukraine. It perceives Ukraine as an equal.”

Several international leaders and officials joined the celebrations in Kyiv. U.S. special envoy Keith Kellogg was honored with the Ukrainian Order of Merit, 1st degree, by Zelenskyy. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also visited for talks, while Zelenskyy’s chief of staff Andriy Yermak thanked Canada for its support, writing, “Canada has always stood by our side.”

Norway pledged new military support worth about 7 billion kroner ($695 million) for air defense systems, including funding for two Patriot systems in cooperation with Germany.

Pope Leo XIV marked the day with prayers for Ukraine, urging peace during his weekly blessing. He also sent a telegram to President Zelenskyy, writing: “I implore the Lord to move the hearts of people of goodwill, that the clamor of arms may fall silent and give way to dialogue, opening the path to peace for the good of all.”

Despite international appeals, battles continued along the eastern front. On Saturday, Russia claimed its troops had captured two villages in the Donetsk region.

You might also be interested in - Russia offers 5% discount on oil to India amid rising US tariff tensions