While Ukraine marked 34 years of independence, tensions with Russia grew over the weekend with missile drone attacks on energy facilities within Russian borders, such as a nuclear plant within the Kursk province. The attacks came on the same day that global demonstrations of solidarity with Kyiv and renewed commitments of military assistance were underway.
Russian authorities blamed Ukraine for conducting overnight drone strikes on various power and energy infrastructure. A reported attack ignited a fire at a nuclear power plant at Kursk, which officials added was speedily doused without any casualties. Though a transformer was damaged, radiation levels were kept within limits.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed reports of the blaze, stating that it had not received the incident independently. Director General Rafael Grossi emphasized that "every nuclear facility must be protected at all times." Ukraine made no official statement regarding the allegation.
Meanwhile, wreckage from crashed drones caused a fire at the Ust-Luga port in Russia's Leningrad province, which houses an important fuel export terminal. Russian authorities said they had almost 100 Ukrainian drones down overnight. Ukraine's air force meanwhile said it downed or jammed 48 out of 72 Russian drones and decoys that were launched against its territory, in addition to a cruise missile.
Against this backdrop, Ukrainians celebrated their independence day in defiance and solidarity. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the nation from Kyiv's Independence Square, reasserting the nation's strength and right to determine its own destiny.
"We are creating a Ukraine capable of living in peace and security," Zelenskyy announced, appealing for a "just peace." He asserted that the fate of Ukraine is decided by its people and not foreign powers, mentioning the respect the country now enjoys on the international scene.
Top-level foreign guests underscored the message. US special envoy Keith Kellogg attended celebrations, awarded Ukraine's Order of Merit. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visited Kyiv for negotiations, and Norway committed US$695 million worth of air defence assistance, co-financing two Patriot missile systems with Germany. Even Pope Leo XIV extended prayers for peace, dispatching a personal message of encouragement to Zelenskyy.
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As Kyiv drew outside support, battles continued in eastern Ukraine. Russia asserted that its forces had taken two villages in the Donetsk region, but Ukraine retorted with news that it had recaptured Novomykhailivka.
In the midst of the battles, another significant prisoner swap occurred. Moscow confirmed the return of 146 Russian soldiers and civilians, while Zelenskyy indicated Ukrainian troops, border guards, and civilians most arrested since 2022 were finally returning home.
Our citizens are coming back," Zelenskyy declared, describing the swap as a moment of relief for many families.
