The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported on Friday, September 18, through the social media platform X, that a drone had struck the cooling tower of a reactor at the Russian Kursk nuclear power plant earlier in the week. The incident occurred while the reactor was in operation, but officials confirmed that the reactor's operational mode was not altered, and there was no fire. The IAEA’s Director General, Rafael Grossi, emphasized that any attack on a nuclear facility is "unacceptable" and urged all parties to exercise restraint to prevent the risk of a nuclear accident. Both Russia and Ukraine have not yet officially responded to the IAEA's disclosure. The Kursk nuclear power plant, located in western Russia, has been a point of contention in the ongoing conflict. In July, the governor of the Kursk region alleged that Ukraine had targeted a cooling tower at the Kursk II nuclear power plant, a newer facility currently under construction adjacent to the original plant, which was built in the 1970s. These claims come amid growing concerns about the safety of nuclear infrastructure in the region, especially as the war continues to escalate. Earlier this year, in August 2025, a Ukrainian drone reportedly caused a fire within the perimeter of the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant. However, no significant release of radioactive material was detected, according to available reports. This incident, like the recent one, raises questions about the vulnerability of nuclear facilities to attacks and the potential consequences of such actions. The IAEA has consistently called for transparency and adherence to international safety standards, especially in conflict zones. As tensions remain high in the region, the agency continues to monitor the situation closely and urges all parties involved to prioritize the safety of nuclear facilities to prevent any potential catastrophe.