In a poignant address to the nation on Independence Day, President Volodymyr Zelensky affirmed Ukraine’s unwavering commitment to its struggle for freedom.
“A just peace is essential, one where our future is determined solely by us,” he stated, emphasising that Ukraine will resist Russia “as long as its appeals for peace go unacknowledged.”
He stated, “Ukraine has not yet emerged victorious, but it has undeniably not been defeated.”
Following Moscow’s claims that Ukraine had targeted Russian power and energy facilities overnight, President Zelensky made a statement. The Kremlin attributed a fire at a nuclear power plant in the western Kursk region to drone attacks from Ukraine.
The plant’s press service reported via the messaging app Telegram that there were no injuries and the fire was swiftly brought under control. The report indicated that a transformer had been damaged in the attack; however, radiation levels remained within the normal range.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), a body of the United Nations, acknowledged reports concerning the fire, with its director general emphasising that “every nuclear facility must be protected at all times.”
The International Atomic Energy Agency has consistently urged both Russia and Ukraine to exercise utmost caution regarding nuclear facilities amid the ongoing conflict.
Kyiv hosted vibrant celebrations for Independence Day, commemorating the nation’s declaration of independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada participated in the celebrations, standing alongside Zelensky at St. Sophia’s Cathedral as he spoke to the gathered crowd.
“In a clear and significant statement, Canada reaffirmed its unwavering support for Ukraine, emphasizing that the nation will always stand shoulder to shoulder with its ally.”
According to reports from Ukrainian media, it has been stated that drones, ammunition, and armoured vehicles valued at over 1 billion Canadian dollars (£534 million) are set to be delivered to Ukraine as soon as September. The upcoming deliveries are set to constitute over fifty per cent of a support package that was unveiled in July.
US envoy Keith Kellogg was also in attendance, with Ukrainian media reporting that he received the Order of Merit, first degree, from President Zelensky during the ceremony.
Following expressions of gratitude from Zelensky towards him and US President Donald Trump for their backing, Kellogg was overheard assuring Zelensky, “We’re going to make this work.”
On Sunday morning, Andriy Yermak, the chief of staff to President Zelensky, took to Telegram to express the significance of Ukraine’s Independence Day. He emphasised the importance of feeling the support of allies on this notable occasion. Canada has consistently supported us.
In a recent development, Zelensky released a letter from King Charles, expressing his “warmest and most sincere wishes” to the people of Ukraine.
The King expresses profound admiration for the unwavering spirit of the Ukrainian people. “I maintain optimism that our nations can collaborate more effectively to attain a fair and enduring peace.”
Zelensky remarked that the King’s “kind words serve as a genuine source of inspiration for our people amid the challenging circumstances of war.”
The UK government announced that Ukrainian flags will be displayed above Downing Street to commemorate the anniversary.
The Ministry of Defence has announced that British military experts will continue to train Ukrainian soldiers through at least the end of 2026. This decision comes as part of an extension to Operation Interflex, the designated name for the UK Armed Forces’ training initiative aimed at Ukrainian recruits.
On Sunday, Norway revealed its plan to provide approximately 7 billion kroner (£514 million; $693 million) in air defence systems to Ukraine.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store announced, “Together with Germany, we are now ensuring that Ukraine receives powerful air defence systems.”
Norway and another nation are jointly financing two Patriot systems, which include missiles, while Norway is additionally assisting in the procurement of air defence radar.
On Sunday, Ukraine and Sweden revealed a partnership in joint defence production. Sweden’s defence minister emphasised that this collaboration would enhance Sweden’s rearmament efforts while addressing the requirements of Ukraine’s armed forces.
Pål Jonson stated on X that Ukraine is set to share and provide technology for its factories in Sweden. At the same time, defence materials co-produced in Sweden will be exported to Ukraine.
On Saturday, Russian officials announced that their military had captured two villages in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine.
Russian forces are making gradual progress in eastern Ukraine, albeit at a significant cost, and currently hold approximately 20% of the country’s territory.
In February 2022, Russia initiated a comprehensive military invasion of Ukraine.
This month has seen a flurry of diplomatic activity surrounding the ongoing war, highlighted by a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15.
The summit was promoted as a crucial advancement in the pursuit of peace in Ukraine. Despite both leaders asserting that the discussions were fruitful, Trump has increasingly expressed his public frustration regarding the absence of a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine.
The President of the United States has indicated that he is weighing the option of imposing additional economic sanctions on Russia or potentially withdrawing from ongoing peace negotiations.
On Friday, Trump stated, “I’m going to make a decision regarding our course of action, and it will be a significant one. This decision will revolve around whether we impose massive sanctions, massive tariffs, or both, or if we choose to do nothing and let it be your fight.”
Ukrainian President Zelensky has consistently advocated for an unconditional ceasefire, a stance echoed by his European allies who have also pressed for a cessation of hostilities.
He has levelled accusations against Russia, claiming it is “doing everything it can” to obstruct a meeting with Putin aimed at resolving the conflict.
In a recent statement, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov indicated that President Putin is prepared to engage with Ukraine’s leader, but only when a suitable agenda for a summit is established. Lavrov criticised President Zelensky, asserting that he has consistently rejected proposals, stating that the agenda for such a meeting is currently nonexistent.
