- On Ukraine’s Independence Day, Russia accused Kyiv of launching drone attacks that sparked fires at key energy sites, including the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant and the Ust-Luga fuel terminal.
- Ukraine has not commented on the claims. President Zelensky marked the occasion with a defiant speech, vowing that Ukraine would strike back when peace is ignored.
- Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue to stall, with the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska ending without a ceasefire agreement.
- Western allies reaffirmed their support, with new military aid and defense partnerships announced.
Ukraine’s Independence Day unfolded with fire and fury — not just in celebration, but in retaliation.
As Kyiv marked 34 years since breaking from Soviet rule, Russia accused Ukraine of launching drone strikes that ignited blazes at two major sites: the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant and the Ust-Luga fuel export terminal. Russian officials said the Kursk fire was quickly contained, with no injuries and radiation levels remaining normal. But the symbolism was unmistakable — Ukraine’s message was loud, and it came with flames.
President Volodymyr Zelensky didn’t hold back. In a video address, he declared that Ukraine would no longer wait for “gestures of goodwill.” If Russia strikes Sumy, Ukraine appears in Kursk. If Moscow targets Ukraine’s energy grid, its refineries burn. “Justice strikes,” he said. “Ukraine strikes when its calls for peace are not heard.”
The war, now in its fourth year, has turned Independence Day into something more than a national holiday. It’s a declaration of survival — and defiance.
World leaders rallied behind Ukraine. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived in Kyiv for talks, while US envoy Keith Kellogg joined the celebrations. King Charles sent a letter praising the “unbreakable spirit” of the Ukrainian people. The UK raised Ukrainian flags above Downing Street and extended its military training program through 2026.
Norway pledged 7 billion kroner in air defense systems, co-funded with Germany. Sweden announced joint defense production with Ukraine, promising co-manufactured materiel for export to the front lines.
But diplomacy remains fragile. The much-hyped Trump-Putin summit in Alaska ended without a ceasefire. Trump called the meeting “productive” but admitted there was “no deal.” He later threatened new sanctions or tariffs, saying he might walk away from peace talks altogether.
Zelensky, meanwhile, continues to push for an unconditional ceasefire. Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Putin is open to meeting — but claims Zelensky is rejecting every proposal.
On the battlefield, Russia says it has seized two villages in Donetsk, inching forward at great cost. It now controls roughly 20% of Ukraine’s territory.
But Zelensky’s message is clear: Ukraine hasn’t won yet, but it certainly hasn’t lost. And on this Independence Day, the country didn’t just celebrate freedom — it defended it.
