Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused Kyiv of trying to attack the Kursk nuclear power station, located about 50 kilometers (30 miles) from where Ukrainian forces are mounting a major cross-border offensive.
The Kremlin leader did not provide any evidence for his claims or additional details regarding the alleged attack.
This accusation came on Thursday, just hours after the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) announced that its chief would visit the facility next week. Russia has repeatedly raised concerns about a potential attack since Ukrainian troops and tanks entered its western Kursk region on August 6.
There were no prior reports of an attempted strike on the facility in Russian media, and Kursk region Governor Alexei Smirnov informed Putin that the facility was operating normally.
The offensive has now entered its third week, with Kyiv claiming control over numerous Russian border settlements.
There has been no immediate reaction from officials in Kyiv to Putin’s accusation.