Russia accuses Ukraine of an attack on the nuclear facility during the Independence Day celebrations

• Russia accuses Ukraine of an attack on the nuclear facility during the Independence Day celebrations.
• President Zelensky emphasizes the resilience of the nation in wartime conditions.
• Canada and Norway announced new military aid to Ukraine.

Russia accused Ukraine on Sunday of an attack on a nuclear facility with missiles that ignited a fire at the nuclear power plant in the western region of Kursk during the celebrations of the 34th anniversary of Ukraine's independence.

Russian officials noted that several energy facilities were subjected to attacks overnight. The fire at the nuclear facility was quickly extinguished, and there were no reports of casualties. Despite the damage to the transformer, radiation levels remained normal, according to information from the press service of the facility.

The international agency for atomic energy reported that it is aware of media reports regarding the fire but has not received independent confirmation. Rafael Mariano Grossi, the agency's general director, stated that "each nuclear facility must be protected at all times."

Ukraine did not provide comments regarding the alleged attack.

Firefighters also responded to a fire at the Ust-Luga port in the Leningrad region of Russia, where a significant terminal for the export of coal is located. The regional governor stated that approximately 10 Ukrainian missiles were destroyed, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

The Russian defense ministry reported that its air defense shot down 95 Ukrainian missiles on Russian territory.

Russia also launched 72 missiles and drones, including a cruise missile towards Ukraine. Of these, 48 were destroyed or intercepted.

These incidents occurred during the celebrations of Ukraine's Independence Day, which marks the proclamation of independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a speech in a video address from the Independence Square in Kyiv, emphasizing the resilience of the nation.

"We will build Ukraine, which has enough strength to live in safety and peace," said Zelensky, referring to "a just peace."

Zelensky added that "the future of our nation depends only on us." In his speech, he also mentioned the summit between the USA and Russia at the Alliance, where many feared that the interests of Ukraine and Europe might be sidelined.

A special representative from the USA, Kit Kellogg, was present at the celebrations in Kyiv, where Zelensky awarded him the Order of Ukraine of the first degree.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Karny arrived in Kyiv for a meeting with Zelensky, emphasizing the importance of support from allies on this special day.

Norway announced a new significant military aid package, pledging to provide nearly 7 billion kroner for the anti-aircraft defense systems.

Pope Leo XIII prayed for peace in Ukraine, marking the Day of Independence of the country, calling for an end to hostilities.

In addition, fighting continues on the front lines in eastern Ukraine, where Russia has declared the capture of two villages in the Donetsk region.

The Russian defense ministry reported about the return of 146 soldiers who had previously been captured from Ukraine, in the same quantity as the Ukrainian soldiers.

Zelensky noted that "our people are turning to us," emphasizing that the majority of those returned were from the military who had been in captivity since 2022.

Tags: Ukraine/Russia/Politics