Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused Ukraine of attempting to attack a nuclear power plant in Russia's Kursk region overnight.
The allegation came during a meeting with senior officials on Thursday to discuss Moscow's response to Ukraine's ongoing invasion of Russia's border areas.
As reported by The Telegraph, Putin stated that the International Atomic Energy Agency had been informed of the alleged attack, though Ukraine has not yet responded to these claims.
The accusation comes amid heightened tensions following Ukraine's incursion into the Kursk region, which began over two weeks ago. The surprise offensive saw thousands of Ukrainian troops cross Russia's western border, catching Moscow off guard. In response to the ongoing situation, Kursk's governor, Alexei Smirnov, reported that over 133,000 people have evacuated the border region.
Ukrainian President Visits Border Region Amid Ongoing Offensive
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a visit to the Sumy region on Thursday, which borders Russia's Kursk region. During his visit, Zelensky announced that Ukrainian forces had taken control of another settlement in the Kursk region. This development comes more than two weeks after Ukraine launched its invasion of Russia's border areas.
Zelensky stated:
Additionally, another settlement in the Kursk region is now under Ukrainian control, and we have replenished the exchange fund.
The Ukrainian president's visit to the border area underscores the ongoing tensions and military activities in the region.
Ukrainian Drone Strikes Target Russian Military Installations
In a separate development, a military airbase in southern Russia was hit by a Ukrainian drone strike overnight. The attack, which took place in the Marinovka village of the Volgograd region, caused damage to several aircraft and surrounding buildings. Regional governor Andrei Bocharov confirmed the incident.
This latest strike follows a significant drone attack on Moscow on Wednesday, described by the city's mayor as "one of the largest ever" since the start of the war in February 2022. In response to these attacks, Russia has closed two more airports in its Far North, fearing further Ukrainian drone incursions.
Germany Denies Involvement In Ukraine's Kursk Offensive
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has denied any German involvement in Ukraine's invasion of Russia's Kursk region. Speaking to reporters during a visit to Moldova, Scholz emphasized that Ukraine had planned the operation independently and in secrecy.
Scholz remarked:
Ukraine prepared its military operation in the Kursk region very secretly and without any feedback, which is certainly due to the situation.
The chancellor's comments highlight the surprise nature of Ukraine's offensive, which caught both Russia and Ukraine's allies off guard when it was launched on August 6.
In conclusion, the situation along the Russia-Ukraine border remains tense, with both sides engaged in military operations and accusations. Putin's claim of an attempted attack on a nuclear plant adds a new dimension to the conflict while Ukraine continues its offensive in the Kursk region.
The ongoing drone strikes on Russian territory and the evacuation of civilians from border areas underscore the escalating nature of the conflict. As the international community watches closely, the potential for further escalation remains a significant concern.
