<h1>Alleged aerial strike damages nuclear plant transformer during independence celebrations, raising Article 56 AP I protection concerns</h1> Aerial strikes were blamed by one state for causing a fire at a nuclear power plant in a border region during the other's independence celebrations; the plant reported a damaged transformer, no injuries and normal radiation levels, while an international nuclear watchdog said it had no independent confirmation but stressed that nuclear facilities must be protected. Both sides reported extensive drone and missile activity and countermeasures, and there were concurrent fires at a fuel export terminal. Separately, the states announced prisoner exchanges and international partners pledged military aid and air-defence systems. The incidents raise potential issues under international humanitarian law regarding attacks near nuclear infrastructures and protection of civilians.