Russia accused Ukraine on Aug. 24 of igniting a fire at a nuclear power plant in the western Kursk region overnight with drone attacks.
Several power and energy facilities were hit in overnight strikes, Russian officials said. The plant’s press office said on Telegram that the fire was quickly extinguished and that no workers were injured.
Ukraine did not immediately comment on the drone strike allegations. The incident occurred as Ukraine celebrates 34 years of its independence from the Soviet Union, which dissolved in 1991.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the U.N. nuclear watchdog, stated that it had seen media reports of a transformer at the plant catching fire “due to military activity” but hadn’t independently confirmed the alleged attacks.
Rafael Mariano Grossi, director-general of the IAEA, said, “Every nuclear facility must be protected at all times.”
Firefighters were also mobilized to extinguish a fire at the port of Ust-Luga in Russia’s Leningrad region, where a major fuel export terminal is located. Roughly 10 Ukrainian drones were shot down, with fire being lit from the debris, the regional governor said.
The Russian Defense Ministry said its air defenses had intercepted 95 Ukrainian drones over its domestic airspace overnight into Aug. 24.
The Ukrainian air force stated that Russia launched 72 drones and decoys, including a cruise missile, into Ukrainian territory overnight into Aug. 24. The air force stated that it had shot down or jammed 48 of the drones.
As Ukraine marked its independence day, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a video address from Kyiv’s Independence Square, highlighting his country’s resolve.
“We are building a Ukraine that will have enough strength and power to live in security and peace,” Zelenskyy said, noting that Kyiv is calling for a “just peace.”
“What our future will be is up to us alone,” he said. “And the world knows this. And the world respects this. It respects Ukraine. It perceives Ukraine as an equal.”
Trump penned a letter to Zelenskyy to congratulate his nation on its independence, which the Ukrainian president shared on X.
“On behalf of the American people, I extend my congratulations and warmest wishes to you and the courageous people of Ukraine as you celebrate 34 years of independence,” Trump wrote. “The people of Ukraine have an unbreakable spirit, and your country’s courage inspires many. As you mark this important day, know that the United States respects your fight, honors your sacrifices, and believes in your future as an independent nation.
“Now is the moment to bring an end to the senseless killing. The United States supports a negotiated settlement that leads to a durable, lasting peace that ends the bloodshed and safeguards Ukraine’s sovereignty and dignity.”
Zelenskyy thanked Trump for the letter, writing: “We appreciate your kind words for the Ukrainian people, and we thank the United States for standing shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine in defending what is most valuable: independence, freedom, and guaranteed peace.
“We believe that by working together, we can put an end to this war and achieve real peace for Ukraine.”
Keith Kellogg, U.S. special envoy, attended Independence Day celebrations in Kyiv, where Zelenskyy awarded him the Ukrainian Order of Merit, of the 1st degree.
On the morning of Aug. 24, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived in the Ukrainian capital to meet with Zelenskyy.
“On this special day—Ukraine’s Independence Day—it is especially important for us to feel the support of our friends. And Canada has always stood by our side,” said Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak.
Norway said on Aug. 24 that it was pledging significant new military aid to Ukraine, including roughly $695 million for air defense systems. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said his nation and Germany are jointly funding two patriot systems, including missiles. Norway will also help produce air defense radar.
Several other world leaders, including King Charles III of Britain, Swiss Confederation President Karin Keller-Sutter, French President Emmanuel Macron, and King Willem-Alexander of The Netherlands, also sent letters to Zelenskyy on Aug. 24 celebrating Ukraine’s independence.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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