As Ukraine marked 34 years since gaining its independence, Russia charged Ukraine on Sunday of carrying out drone strikes that caused a fire at a nuclear power facility in its western Kursk region overnight.
According to Russian sources, the midnight strikes targeted a number of energy and electrical infrastructure. According to the plant’s news service on Telegram, the nuclear facility’s fire was swiftly put out and no injuries were reported. Radiation levels were within normal limits, despite the fact that the attack destroyed a transformer.
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The UN nuclear watchdogs stated that although they had not obtained independent confirmation, they were aware of media stories claiming that a transformer at the plants had caught fire as a result of military activities. Rafael Mariano Grossi, the organization’s director-general, reportedly stated that all nuclear facilities need to be constantly protected.
Ukraine refrained from commenting on the purported strike right away.
In the Leningrad region of Russia, firefighters also responded to a fire at the port of Ust-Luga, which is home to a significant petroleum export terminal. About ten Ukrainian drones were shot down, according to the regional governor, and the fire was started by the wreckage.
According to Russia’s Defense Ministry, 95 Ukrainian drones were intercepted by its air defenses over Russian territory between Sunday and midnight.
According to Ukraine’s air force, Russia sent 72 drones, decoys, and a cruise missile into Ukraine overnight and into Sunday. Forty-eight of these drones were jammed or shot down.
Another Independence Day during a conflict
As Ukraine celebrated Independence Day, which honors its 1991 proclamation of independence from the Soviet Union, the incidents took place. In a video address from Independence Square in Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the nation’s resolve.
Zelenskyy called for a just peace and stated, “We are building a Ukraine that will have enough strength and power to live in security and peace.”
In reference to the U.S.-Russia summit in Alaska earlier in August, which many believed would marginalize Ukrainian and European interests, he stated, “What our future will be is up to us alone.”
The world is aware of this. And this is respected around the world. Ukraine is respected. According to him, it views Ukraine as an equal.
Zelenskyy presented U.S. special envoy Keith Kellogg with the Ukrainian Order of Merit, of the 1st degree, while he was present at Kyiv’s Independence Day festivities.
In order to meet with Zelenskyy, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived in Kyiv on Sunday morning.
Feeling the support of our friends is especially vital on this historic day, Ukraine’s Independence Day. Andriy Yermak, Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, wrote, “And Canada has always stood by our side.”
Prayers for peace and military assistance
Carney said Canada will invest $2 billion ($1.5 billion) in new military support for Ukraine to strengthen its army and provide desperately needed weapons during a joint news conference with Zelenskyy.
According to Zelenskyy, the two leaders were debating whether to send Canadian troops to Ukraine as part of a reassurance force.
On Sunday, Norway pledged almost 7 billion kroner ($695 million) for air defense systems, marking a considerable increase in military assistance. Germany and Norway are working together to finance two Patriot systems, including missiles, according to Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store. Norway is also assisting in the purchase of air defense radar.
In his weekly midday blessing on Sunday, Pope Leo XIV made a special plea for peace in Ukraine as he commemorated the nation’s Independence Day. According to him, the devout were joining Ukrainians in pleading with the Lord for peace for their nation, which has suffered greatly.
Along with similar messages from other international leaders, Leo also sent Zelenskyy a telegram, which the Ukrainian leader shared on X.
Leo wrote: “I pray to the Lord to move the hearts of people of good will, so that the clamor of arms may fall silent and give way to dialogue, opening the path to peace for the good of all.” He also promised to pray for all the suffering Ukrainians.
An attrition-based conflict
Russia said on Saturday that its soldiers had taken control of two villages in the Donetsk region as they continued their advance in eastern and northern Ukraine. Ukraine regained control of the village of Novomykhailivka, also in the Donetsk area, according to a statement released on Sunday by the Main Intelligence Directorate of the country’s defense ministry.
On Sunday, Russia’s Defense Ministry announced that 146 Russian soldiers had been sent back to Ukraine in return for an equal number of Ukrainian soldiers. Eight citizens of Russia’s Kursk area, which was the target of an unexpected Ukrainian incursion in August 2024, were also included in the most recent exchange, according to the ministry. They were detained in Ukraine but later returned to Russia.
“Our people are coming home,” Zelenskyy declared shortly after the Russian statement. Members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the National Guard, the State Border Guard Service, and civilians were among those being exchanged, he said. According to him, the most of them had been held captive since 2022.
The number of detainees engaged in the swap was not confirmed by Zelenskyy.
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