Ukraine celebrated its 34th Independence Day on Sunday, amidst a backdrop of escalating tensions marked by tit-for-tat drone strikes. As Moscow intensified its attacks on Ukrainian cities, Kyiv retaliated by targeting a Russian nuclear power plant and a significant port facility.
According to reports from Ukraine’s air force, Russia launched over 70 Shahed drones and a missile during the night, primarily from military bases located in Kursk, Millerovo, and Primorsko-Akhtarsk. Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepted 48 of these aerial threats; however, several drones managed to reach their targets across at least 10 regions, resulting in fires and civilian injuries. Notably, a rocket strike in the city of Pavlohrad sparked a substantial blaze, while local officials confirmed nine injuries and one fatality in the Dnipropetrovsk region.
In response, Kyiv launched a significant counter-offensive involving long-range drones that struck targets within Russia. Authorities in the Kursk region reported that one of these strikes caused damage to a transformer at the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant, leading to a 50% reduction in output at one reactor and igniting a fire, which was later brought under control. Fortunately, the plant operator confirmed that radiation levels remained within safe limits. The International Atomic Energy Agency issued a statement urging caution following the Kursk incident, highlighting the dangers associated with military operations near nuclear facilities.
In Russia’s Leningrad region, debris from intercepted drones led to a fire at the Novatek fuel terminal located in the port of Ust-Luga, one of the country's largest export hubs. Additionally, flights were temporarily suspended at airports in St. Petersburg, Samara, and Izhevsk following the downing of more drones.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation from Kyiv’s Independence Square, emphasizing the significance of the attacks in the context of Ukraine's ongoing struggle for sovereignty. In a poignant video message, he stated, “We are building a Ukraine that will have enough strength and power to live in security and peace. Ukraine has won its independence. Ukraine is not a victim; it is a fighter.”
Meanwhile, in the southern regions of Ukraine, the military reported that troops proudly displayed national flags over towns that remain occupied, signaling a strong message that “the Kherson region will forever remain part of Ukraine.”
Western allies took this opportunity to reinforce their support for Ukraine. The U.K. and Sweden raised Ukrainian flags on government buildings, while Norway and Germany announced a joint delivery of two Patriot air defense systems, including missiles, radars, and short-range batteries valued at approximately €650 million. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz commended the bravery of the Ukrainian people, stating, “Ukrainians are most courageously defending themselves against Russia’s attacks. They are fighting for our liberal order in Europe and for a just peace.”
