Russia Reports Nuclear Plant Targeted in Major Ukrainian Drone Attack
Despite Ongoing Strikes, Prospects for Ceasefire Talks Remain Unlikely
Russia has claimed that a nuclear power plant was among the targets in a massive drone attack launched by Ukraine, escalating tensions in the ongoing conflict. According to Russian officials, the attack involved at least 100 drones, hitting multiple locations across the country, including critical energy infrastructure.
The Russian Ministry of Defence reported that 104 drones were deployed in raids over western Russia, many aimed at power and oil facilities. Local officials in the Smolensk region, where Russia’s largest nuclear power plant is located, stated that air defence systems intercepted one drone targeting the facility.
Governor Vasily Anokhin confirmed on Telegram that a drone was shot down as it attempted to strike the Smolensk Nuclear Power Plant. Fortunately, no casualties or damage were reported, and the plant was operating normally on Wednesday morning, according to RIA state news agency.
The attack on the plant was part of a broader wave of drone strikes across Russia, which also saw a fire at Sibur’s oil refinery in the Nizhny Novgorod region, around 800 km (500 miles) from the Ukrainian border. Russian air defences reportedly destroyed drones across nine regions, including 11 over Smolensk and others over Kursk, where Ukrainian forces have been active for months.
Ukraine also reported being targeted in a retaliatory drone attack from Russia. Ukrainian military officials stated that Russia launched drones overnight, triggering air alerts in several regions. The port in Odesa was reportedly hit, and debris from a destroyed drone fell near a metro station in Kyiv, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
Peace Talks: A Distant Prospect
As the drone and missile strikes continue, prospects for peace talks between the two countries appear increasingly remote. Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested on Tuesday that Russia could hold negotiations with Ukraine but ruled out direct talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Putin called Zelenskyy “illegitimate” due to the expiration of his presidential term under martial law and stated that any negotiations would involve representatives from Ukraine, but not Zelenskyy himself.
Zelenskyy quickly responded, accusing Putin of obstructing efforts to end the war. “Putin is afraid of negotiations, afraid of strong leaders, and does everything he can to prolong the war,” Zelenskyy posted on X. Ukraine has also voiced concerns about being excluded from any peace discussions involving Russia and the United States, with officials accusing Putin of attempting to manipulate former U.S. President Donald Trump.
As both countries continue to exchange daily strikes, it seems that the path to a peaceful resolution remains as elusive as ever. The ongoing attacks and entrenched positions suggest that any ceasefire talks are unlikely in the near future, leaving both nations locked in a prolonged and destructive conflict.