Ukraine Marks Independence Day Amid Drone Attacks, Diplomatic Push, and Fresh Western Aid

KYIV, Ukraine – Ukraine observed its 34th Independence Day on Sunday, August 24, amidst a fresh wave of drone attacks and significant diplomatic activity. Russia accused Ukraine of launching drone strikes overnight that sparked a fire at a nuclear power plant in its western Kursk region, though the blaze was quickly extinguished with no reported injuries or radiation leaks. Multiple other Russian energy facilities, including a fuel export terminal in Ust-Luga, were also reportedly targeted by Ukrainian drones, with Russia claiming to have intercepted 95.

The day’s events unfolded as U.S. Vice President JD Vance claimed Russia had made “significant concessions” to President Trump for the first time in three and a half years of the conflict, suggesting a willingness to be flexible on core demands in ongoing diplomatic processes. However, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, also speaking on “Meet the Press” Sunday, tempered expectations, stating that a meeting between Presidents Putin and Zelenskyy was not yet on the agenda due to an unprepared summit agenda.

International support for Ukraine was prominent on its Independence Day. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived in Kyiv, pledging CA$2 billion (approximately US$1.44 billion) in new military assistance and discussing the potential for Canadian forces to serve as a reassurance presence. Norway also announced a substantial military aid package of about 7 billion kroner (approximately US$695 million) for air defense systems, including jointly funding Patriot systems with Germany. Pope Leo XIV offered prayers for peace in Ukraine, sending a telegram to President Zelenskyy and appealing for an end to the conflict.

On the ground, fighting continued, with Russia claiming advances in the Donetsk region, while Ukraine’s Defense Ministry reported retaking control of Novomykhailivka. A prisoner exchange also took place, with Russia announcing the return of 146 servicemen and eight Kursk residents, mirrored by a similar number of Ukrainian servicemen and civilians returning home, many held since 2022.

阅读中文版 (Read Chinese Version)

Disclaimer: This content is aggregated from public sources online. Please verify information independently. If you believe your rights have been infringed, contact us for removal.