Russia accused Ukraine of conducting drone strikes that ignited a fire at a nuclear power facility located in its western Kursk region overnight, coinciding with Ukraine’s celebration of 34 years of independence.
Russian officials reported that multiple power and energy installations were targeted during the overnight assaults. The fire at the nuclear site was swiftly extinguished, with no injuries reported, as stated by the plant’s press service on Telegram. Although a transformer was damaged, radiation levels remained normal.
The United Nations’ nuclear regulatory body acknowledged awareness of media reports indicating that a transformer at the facility had caught fire “due to military activity,” but noted that it had not received independent verification. Its director-general, Rafael Mariano Grossi, emphasized that “every nuclear facility must be protected at all times.”
Ukraine did not provide an immediate response regarding the alleged attack.
Firefighters also attended to a fire at the port of Ust-Luga in Russia’s Leningrad region, which houses a significant fuel export terminal. The regional governor reported that around 10 Ukrainian drones were intercepted, with debris from these drones causing the fire.
Russia’s Defense Ministry asserted that its air defenses successfully intercepted 95 Ukrainian drones over Russian territory during the overnight hours.
According to Ukraine’s air force, Russia launched 72 drones and decoys, along with a cruise missile, into Ukraine overnight. Out of these, 48 drones were either shot down or jammed.
The incidents unfolded as Ukraine celebrated Independence Day, marking its 1991 declaration of independence from the Soviet Union. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a video address from Kyiv’s Independence Square, highlighting the nation’s determination.
“We are constructing a Ukraine that will possess the strength and power to exist in security and peace,” Zelenskyy stated, advocating for a “just peace.”
“The future that awaits us is solely in our hands,” he remarked, referencing the U.S.-Russia summit held in Alaska earlier this August, an event that many feared would marginalize the interests of Ukraine and Europe.
“The world is aware of this reality. The world acknowledges this. It holds Ukraine in high regard. It views Ukraine as an equal,” he stated.
U.S. special envoy Keith Kellogg attended the Independence Day celebrations in Kyiv, where President Zelenskyy honored him with the Ukrainian Order of Merit, 1st degree.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived in Kyiv on for discussions with Zelenskyy.
“On this significant occasion – Ukraine’s Independence Day – it is particularly vital for us to sense the support of our allies. Canada has consistently stood by our side,” expressed Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to Zelenskyy.
Military assistance and prayers for peace were highlighted during a joint press conference with Zelenskyy, where Carney announced that Canada would allocate 2 billion Canadian dollars (approximately $1.5 billion) in new military support for Ukraine to enhance its military capabilities and supply urgently needed weaponry.
Zelenskyy mentioned that the two leaders were contemplating the deployment of Canadian forces on the ground in Ukraine as part of a reassurance initiative.
Norway also declared substantial new military support, committing around 7 billion kroner (about $695 million) for air defense systems. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store noted that Norway and Germany are collaboratively financing two Patriot systems, including missiles, while Norway is also assisting in the procurement of air defense radar.
Pope Leo XIV offered prayers for peace in Ukraine while commemorating the country’s Independence Day with a heartfelt appeal during his weekly noon blessing. He expressed that the faithful were uniting with Ukrainians “asking that the Lord grant peace to their martyred nation.”
Additionally, Leo sent a telegram to President Zelenskyy, which the Ukrainian leader shared on X, accompanied by similar messages from other global leaders.
In his letter, Leo conveyed his prayers for all Ukrainians enduring hardship, stating: “I beseech the Lord to inspire the hearts of individuals of goodwill, so that the sound of weapons may cease and be replaced by dialogue, paving the way for peace for the benefit of all.”
A war of attrition Meanwhile, Russian forces persisted in their advance in eastern and northern Ukraine, where they claimed that their troops had captured two villages in the Donetsk region. The Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine’s Defense Ministry reported that Ukraine had regained control of the village of Novomykhailivka, also located in the Donetsk region.
Russia’s Defense Ministry announced on Sunday that 146 Russian servicemen had been returned from Ukraine, in exchange for an equal number of Ukrainian servicemen. The ministry noted that the latest exchange also involved eight residents from Russia’s Kursk region, who had been held in Ukraine following a surprise incursion in August 2024, and were returned to Russia.
Shortly after the Russian announcement, Zelenskyy remarked, “our people are coming home.” He indicated that those involved in the exchange included members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the National Guard, the State Border Guard Service, and civilians. “Most of them had been in captivity since 2022,” he added.
Zelenskyy did not verify the number of prisoners involved in the exchange.
