Ukraine’s Independence Day Under Fire: Kyiv Hit by Drones, Russia Targeted in Massive Retaliatory Strikes

Ukraine marked its Independence Day on Sunday, August 24, 2025, amidst a fresh wave of Russian drone and missile attacks, even as Kyiv launched extensive long-range strikes deep into Russian territory, targeting critical infrastructure.

Overnight into Sunday, Russia’s air force reported launching 72 drones and one Iskander-M ballistic missile at Ukraine. While 48 drones were intercepted, 24 drones and the missile impacted across 10 locations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in a statement marking 34 years of independence, described the ongoing conflict with Russia as the nation’s “war for independence.”

In a significant retaliatory move, Ukraine conducted its own substantial drone offensive against Russia. Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed to have shot down 95 Ukrainian drones across 14 regions. Key targets reportedly included an oil refinery in the Samara region and a gas terminal at the Ust-Luga port, which sources within the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) confirmed striking, labeling it an “Independence Day gift” to Russia. Reports also emerged of a downed Ukrainian drone causing a fire at the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant, damaging an auxiliary transformer, prompting a warning from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on nuclear facility protection.

The widespread drone activity led to temporary flight restrictions at at least 11 airports across Russia. Amidst the escalating conflict, U.S. President Donald Trump sent a letter to Zelenskyy, calling for a “negotiated settlement” to end the bloodshed, a sentiment Zelenskyy acknowledged while reaffirming Ukraine’s commitment to defending its independence and seeking peace through cooperation.

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