TASS-Ukraine Committing 'Nuclear Terrorism' w/Kursk NPP Strikes

Russian state outlet TASS reporting that according to sources within law enforcement, Ukraine "has chosen the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant as a target for committing acts of nuclear terrorism." Reports claims that Ukrainian kamikaze drones were shot down in the vicinity of the Kursk NPP on the night of 22 August, adding "Law enforcement agencies recalled that this is not the first time that Russian electronic warfare systems have suppressed Ukrainian drones in the area of the Kurchatov NPP. Similar events occurred on August 14 and 16, 2024."

• The Russian Foreign Ministry says that the attack "requires a swift response" from the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
• Today's comments come after President Vladimir Putin made the initial claims in a televised meeting on 22 Aug that Ukraine had sought to strike the Kursk NPP.
• The veracity of the Russian claims around strikes on Kursk NPP are yet to be confirmed. Nevertheless, the fact that Russia are discussing the prospect of an NPP on its own territory being hit further raises the stakes of Ukraine's audacious Kursk offensive.
• Should the plant be hit (or Russia claim it has been hit) it could see Moscow significantly escalate its response against Ukrainian infrastructure, cities, or around the Zaporizhzhia NPP (which has already been the site of significant fighting).
• FT reports that IAEA chief Rafael Grossi will visit the Kursk NPP for an inspection. Grossi says "that the Kursk plant was “technically within artillery range” of Ukrainian positions. “And since there is combat, I’m very concerned.”