(AP) – Russia accused Ukraine of conducting a drone strike overnight, coinciding with Ukraine’s 34th Independence Day celebrations.
Officials in Russia claimed that various electricity and energy facilities were targeted during the night. A Telegram news channel reported that there were no injuries and that a fire at a nuclear facility quickly subsided. Additionally, they noted that radiation levels remained normal despite damage to a transformer.
The UN’s nuclear agency acknowledged awareness of media claims about the plant’s transformer catching fire due to military actions, although this has yet to be independently verified. Director Rafael Mariano Grossi emphasized the need for protection of all nuclear sites at all times.
Ukraine has not provided any immediate response to the allegations of the attack.
Firefighters addressed flames at the UST-Luga port in Russia’s Leningrad region, known for its major fuel export terminals. The regional governor mentioned that around 10 Ukrainian drones were shot down, with debris causing a fire.
The Russian Ministry of Defense asserted that their air defenses had intercepted 95 Ukrainian drones within Russian borders up to Sunday.
On the same day, Russia launched 72 drones and decoys towards Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian Air Force, which reported that 48 of these drones were taken down.
This incident unfolded while Ukraine observed Independence Day, marking its separation from the Soviet Union in 1991. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the public via a video from Kyiv’s Independence Square, reinforcing the nation’s determination.
“We are building Ukraine with the strength to ensure security and peace,” Zelensky stated, emphasizing the desire for peace.
He remarked, “Our future is solely ours,” referring to the U.S.-Russia summit held earlier in August, expressing concerns that some might neglect Ukraine’s and Europe’s interests.
“The world recognizes this. It respects Ukraine as equals,” he continued.
U.S. Special Envoy Keith Kellogg was present at the Independence Day event in Kyiv, where Zelensky honored him with a Ukrainian distinction.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Kearney visited Kyiv for discussions with Zelensky on Sunday morning.
“On such an important day—Ukraine’s Independence Day—it’s crucial to feel the support of friends, and Canada has consistently stood by us,” commented Andri Yahmack, Chief of Staff at Zelensky’s office.
Norway announced significant new military support on Sunday, committing around 7 billion kroner (approximately $695 million) for an air defense system. Prime Minister Jonas Garstore indicated that Norway and Germany are jointly financing two Patriot systems, which includes missiles, and Norway will aid in acquiring air defense radars.
Meanwhile, clashes continued in eastern Ukraine, with reports that Russia captured two villages in the Donetsk region on Saturday.
