On 24 August, a Ukrainian drone was downed at Russia’s Kursk nuclear power plant, causing a short-lived fire. According to Russian officials, the drone damaged an auxiliary transformer, leading to a temporary fire, which was quickly extinguished. There were no reported casualties, and the plant’s operational safety was not compromised, with radiation levels remaining normal. The strikes coincided with Ukraine’s 34th Independence Day, marking its 1991 break from the Soviet Union. This incident, while minor in its physical impact, represents a significant escalation, as attacks on nuclear infrastructure increase the risk of a wider geopolitical crisis and potential nuclear-related incidents.