Downed Ukrainian Drone Causes Fire At Kursk Nuclear Power Plant
By: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
Escalate! Escalate! Escalate!
The western press has been reporting that Ukraine has mounted a systematic assault on Russia's oil infrastructure. There are many photos of burning oil facilities. Some outlets are reporting that gas prices are rising inside Russia.
And nothing changes. Russia continues to advance in Ukraine. Ukraine thinks it can defeat Russia through military force. And Europe whines louder about the threat of Russia who cannot defend itself.
So, why is this war so damned important to the United States?
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
A fire broke out at the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant in Russia after Russian military forces shot down a Ukrainian drone flying near the plant, the press service of the plant said.
The drone -- one of several reported on August 23 by Russian authorities -- fell on an auxiliary transformer, sparking the fire, which has been extinguished. There were no injuries, according to the press service's statement.
"A combat unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) belonging to the Armed Forces of Ukraine was shot down by air defense systems near the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant," the press service said in a statement on Telegram.
"Upon impact, the drone detonated, resulting in damage to an auxiliary transformer," the statement said.
As a result of the explosion, unit three of the plant was reduced to 50 percent capacity, the press service said.
Radiation levels at the site and in the surrounding area have not exceeded normal limits, it added.
There was no immediate comment from Ukraine. Kyiv has increased its drones strikes inside Russia over the past several months in response to Russia's continued attacks on Ukraine. It says the attacks are aimed at destroying infrastructure that is crucial to Moscow's military efforts.
The story was first reported by Russia's federal television network REN TV. It reported that the transformer is not a part of the nuclear section of the plant, citing the plant's press service. It was not immediately clear in which part of the plant the fire occurred.
Kursk NPP is 40 kilometers west of Kursk city, the regional capital, on the bank of Seim River. The first unit was launched in 1976. Other units were added in 1979, 1983, and 1985, according to the press service.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has repeatedly warned of the dangers of fighting around nuclear plants since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Earlier on August 23, St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region were attacked by drones, regional authorities said, adding that six drones were shot down over the Leningrad region and two were shot down over St. Petersburg.
St. Petersburg authorities said windows were shattered in a residential building in the Krasnoselsky district when the drone was "neutralized." There were no reports of injuries or deaths.
The drone attacks led to flight delays and cancellations at St. Petersburg's Pulkovo Airport. More than 30 flights were diverted to alternate airports during the day, and more than 50 flights were delayed. The airport resumed operations by in the evening.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported that a drone flying toward Moscow had been shot down.
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Defeating Russia pretty much does away with the justification for NATO. And the United States needs NATO more than Ukraine. Europe and Vladimir Putin knows that. That was Pres. Biden's pitch. Defend every square inch of NATO. Can the United States really allow Ukraine to defeat Russia?
So, why is this war so damned important to the United States?
It is better fight Putin over there than over here!
He is a dictator, a tyrant and enemy of freedom.
Do you imagine Russia is going to invade America?
Damned good thing we have Ukraine to protect the United States.
Ukraine is protecting us by keeping Putin busy
Lot better fighting over there and their land getting tore up. Our soldiers are not getting killed or hurt. Send them supplies and let them do the fighting.
So, the Soviets are killing each other. Let them. Another seven years ought to do it.
Because Russia, under Putin, has proved to be an enemy, again.
So defeat his ass. Then explain why we need NATO.
We need NATO to have an alliance and be ready for a common enemy.
After Putin is defeated, we need a strong military alliance to make sure the next leader of Russia does not follow in his footsteps and there is always trouble in the Middle East to be ready for. Some places in Europe are not too stable also.
That sounds like no one is planning to win anything. That bogeyman in the closet is too useful politically.
I do hope it's the drone I paid for..
Sent to Russia with "love" from Australia...🦘
Playing, "Hell To The Thief"...