In a speech commemorating Ukraine’s 33rd Independence Day, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted the unexpected consequences of Russia’s military campaign against Ukraine, noting that the conflict has now extended into Russian territory. Zelenskyy delivered his speech from Sumy, a region near the Russian border where Ukrainian forces recently crossed into Russia.
“Russia aimed to destroy us, but today we celebrate the 33rd Independence Day of Ukraine. What the enemy brought to our land has now returned to his home,” Zelenskyy stated. He warned those who intended to turn Ukraine into a buffer zone to now consider the future of their own country. “And those who sought to turn our lands into a buffer zone should now worry that their own country doesn’t become a buffer federation. This is how independence responds,” he added.
Rome Statute Ratified
Ukraine has made a significant move toward aligning with international justice by ratifying the Rome Statute, which allows the country to join the International Criminal Court (ICC). President Zelenskyy signed this law, marking an important step in Ukraine’s efforts to integrate further with the European Union. The law, now published on the parliament’s website, represents a historic advancement in Ukraine’s legal and international framework.
Ban on Moscow-Linked Religious Groups
In a decisive break with the Orthodox Church faction accused of supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, President Zelenskyy has signed a law banning religious organizations affiliated with Moscow. This legislation, passed by the Ukrainian parliament earlier this month, grants the government the authority to shut down these institutions, thereby severing ties with Russia and reinforcing Ukraine’s independent religious identity.
Emergency in Voronezh After Drone Strike
A state of emergency has been declared in parts of Russia’s Voronezh region, which borders Ukraine, following a drone strike. Alexander Gusev, the regional governor, reported that Russian forces intercepted five drones, but debris caused a fire, leading to the explosion of explosive materials. While there was no damage to civilian structures, emergency protocols were enacted in three settlements, and 200 individuals were evacuated as a precaution.
Ukrainian Military Actions
The Ukrainian military claims control over 1,200 square kilometers (480 square miles) of Russian territory in the Kursk region. Over the past week, Ukraine has conducted drone attacks targeting vital infrastructure, including bridges, as well as Russian airfields and drone bases.
