On August 24, Ukraine’s Independence Day, Russian officials reported that Ukrainian drone strikes targeted nuclear power facilities in the Kursk and Leningrad regions, causing fires and damage to a transformer, though radiation levels remained normal and no injuries were reported. Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed to have intercepted 95 Ukrainian drones, while Ukraine reported shooting down or jamming 48 Russian drones and decoys overnight. The United Nations nuclear watchdog acknowledged media reports of the incident but had not independently verified them, emphasizing the need to protect nuclear sites. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a message affirming Ukraine’s resolve against Russian aggression. The strikes coincided with escalating tensions and ongoing conflict between the two countries. Separately, Spain’s Buñol town prepared to celebrate the 80th La Tomatina festival, expected to attract 22,000 attendees and contribute significantly to the local economy. In the UK, protests over asylum-seeker evictions highlighted social tensions amid government migration policies. Meanwhile, Typhoon Kajiki prompted evacuations in southern China and threatened Vietnam’s coast. Israel stated it would withdraw forces from southern Lebanon if Hezbollah is disarmed by the Lebanese government, linking military de-escalation to political conditions. (Updated 26 Aug 2025, 11:25 IST; source: link)