On Sunday, Russia accused Ukraine of carrying out a drone attack as the country marked 34 years of independence.
Russian authorities reported that the overnight assault targeted various electricity and energy facilities.
A news agency mentioned that no injuries were noted and any fire at the nuclear facility was extinguished quickly.
Radiation levels were said to be normal, although the attack did damage the transformer.
A UN nuclear watchdog acknowledged media reports about a fire caused by military operations at the plant but indicated that there was no independent verification. Director Rafael Mariano Grossi emphasized the need to protect all nuclear facilities at all times.
Ukraine has yet to respond regarding the alleged attack.
In related news, firefighters dealt with flames at the UST-Luga port in Russia’s Leningrad region, where major fuel export terminals are located. The regional governor claimed that around 10 Ukrainian drones were shot down, with debris responsible for igniting the fire.
The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that their air defenses intercepted 95 Ukrainian drones within Russian territory by Sunday.
On the same day, Russia launched 72 drones and decoys, along with cruise missiles towards Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. They reported that 48 of those drones were either shot down or otherwise neutralized.
This event coincided with Ukraine’s observance of Independence Day, commemorating the declaration made in 1991 to break away from the Soviet Union.
President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a video address from Kyiv’s Independence Square, underscoring the nation’s resilience.
“We are building Ukraine with enough strength to live in security and peace,” he stated. “We are just seeking peace.”
Zelensky referenced the recent US-Russia summit in Alaska at the beginning of August, expressing hopes that many would support Ukraine and European interests.
“The world understands and respects Ukraine as an equal,” he added.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Kearney arrived in Kyiv on Sunday morning to meet with Zelensky.
“This special day—Ukraine’s Independence Day—highlights the importance of feeling our allies’ support. Canada has always been on our side,” commented Andry Yahmack, Zelensky’s Chief of Staff.
Norway announced a significant military aid package on the same day, promising approximately $695 million towards air defense systems.
Prime Minister Jonas Garstore mentioned that Norway and Germany would co-fund two Patriot missile systems and that Norway would assist in acquiring air defense radars.
Meanwhile, fighting continued in eastern Ukraine, with reports of Russia gaining control of two villages in the Donetsk region on Saturday.
