The recent drone attack on a Russian power plant by a Ukrainian drone has raised concerns about the potential for a nuclear catastrophe and has escalated tensions between the two countries.

In a recent incident, a Ukrainian drone reportedly targeted a nuclear waste storage facility at a site in Kursk, western Russia. The Russian foreign ministry has accused Ukraine of carrying out “an act of nuclear terrorism,” stating that the attack risked causing a “full-scale nuclear catastrophe” that could have affected many countries. One explosive-packed drone damaged the facility’s walls, while two others hit an administrative building complex.

The Russian government has called on all governments to condemn Ukraine’s actions, which it deems as barbaric and extremely dangerous. The statement issued by the Russian foreign ministry is the first official confirmation of the damage caused by the drone attack, which reportedly affected a warehouse.

The Kursk plant, located in a region bordering Ukraine, has stated that there were no casualties and that radiation levels and operations remain normal. However, the incident has heightened concerns about the potential for a nuclear disaster.

According to Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for Vladimir Putin’s foreign ministry, the drones used in the attack on the power plant were equipped with components supplied by Western countries. She suggests that such an attack must have had the permission of Ukraine’s allies or possibly been ordered by them.

Ukrainian officials have not yet responded to the accusations made by Russia. It is worth noting that both Russia and Ukraine operate nuclear power plants and have frequently accused each other of engaging in actions that risk a nuclear calamity.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN’s nuclear watchdog, has been closely monitoring the situation in Ukraine. In July, Russia complained that a Ukrainian drone had struck an apartment building in Kurchatov, a town near the Kursk nuclear power station.

The recent drone attack has further strained the already tense relationship between Russia and Ukraine. The incident highlights the potential dangers associated with escalating conflicts between countries that possess nuclear capabilities. The international community must work to de-escalate tensions and prevent any actions that could lead to a nuclear catastrophe.