Russia has accused Ukraine of drone strikes that sparked a fire at a nuclear power plant in the Kursk region Sunday as Ukraine marked its Independence Day.

Ukraine's air force said on Sunday Russia had launched a ballistic missile and 72 strike drones, plus several other decoy drones, in overnight attacks on the country. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 48 of the drones, the air force said.

Kyiv has said its strikes are in response to Russia's attacks on Ukraine and are aimed at destroying infrastructure deemed crucial to Moscow's military efforts.