Ukraine celebrated its 34th Independence Day with a defiant address from President Volodymyr Zelensky, who declared the nation would continue to fight for its freedom until its calls for a just peace were heard. Speaking from Kyiv’s Independence Square, Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine was "not a victim, it is a fighter," asserting that "Ukraine has not yet won, but it has certainly not lost." He underscored that Ukraine alone would decide its future, a sentiment that resonated amidst concerns that international summits might sideline Ukrainian and European interests.

The day also saw a significant prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine, with both nations confirming the exchange of 146 soldiers each. Among those returned to Ukraine were soldiers, border guards, and civilians, many of whom had been held captive since 2022, including journalist Dmytro Khilyuk, kidnapped from the Kyiv region. Russia's defence ministry also reported that eight people from its Kursk region, previously partially occupied by Ukraine, were handed over and would return home.

Amidst the celebrations, reports emerged of alleged Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian power and energy facilities overnight. Russia claimed a drone attack caused a fire at a nuclear power plant in its western Kursk region, damaging a transformer, though radiation levels remained normal and the fire was quickly extinguished with no injuries. The Ukraine government's Centre for Countering Disinformation dismissed these claims as Russian "manipulations" and typical propaganda methods, alleging Russia was "spreading manipulations" and accusing Ukraine of "allegedly carrying out targeted strikes" on the power plant. Separately, a fire reportedly broke out at the port of Ust-Luga in Russia’s Leningrad region, home to a major fuel export terminal, after approximately 10 Ukrainian drones were allegedly shot down, with debris igniting the fire. Russia’s Defence Ministry stated its air defences intercepted 95 Ukrainian drones, while Ukraine’s air force reported shooting down or jamming 48 out of 72 Russian drones and a cruise missile fired into Ukraine. The United Nations' International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) acknowledged reports of military activity causing a fire at a transformer but could not independently confirm them, with its Director General emphasizing the need to protect all nuclear facilities at all times.

International support for Ukraine was a prominent theme of the Independence Day commemorations. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney participated in the celebrations, standing alongside Zelensky at St Sophia's Cathedral and pledging Canada's unwavering support, including a $2 billion Canadian dollar military package comprising drones, ammunition, and armoured vehicles to be delivered as early as September. US envoy Keith Kellogg was also present, reportedly awarded the Order of Merit, first degree by Zelensky, and conveyed a message from US President Donald Trump congratulating Ukraine and calling for an end to the senseless killing. Both Zelensky and Kellogg expressed belief in working together to achieve real peace. King Charles of the UK sent "warmest and most sincere wishes," expressing admiration for the "unbreakable spirit" of the Ukrainian people and hope for continued collaboration towards a just and lasting peace. The UK government affirmed its support by displaying Ukrainian flags over Downing Street and extending Operation Interflex, its military training program for Ukrainian soldiers, until at least the end of 2026. Further bolstering Ukraine's defence capabilities, Norway announced a contribution of approximately 7 billion kroner (€594 million; $693 million) for air defence systems, co-funding two Patriot systems with Germany, including missiles, and also helping procure air defence radar. Additionally, Ukraine and Sweden agreed to joint defence production, with Sweden’s defence minister confirming technology sharing and co-produced materiel from Swedish factories for export to Ukraine, aimed at boosting Swedish rearmament and meeting Ukraine's armed forces' needs.

Despite diplomatic efforts, fighting persisted on the front lines. Russia claimed its forces had seized two villages in the Donetsk region, continuing their slow and costly advance in eastern Ukraine, where they now control about 20% of Ukraine's territory since the full-scale invasion in February 2022. Recent diplomatic engagements included a summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15, billed as a vital step towards peace. However, despite initial claims of success, Trump later expressed frustration over the lack of a peace deal, contemplating further economic sanctions or withdrawing from peace talks, stating he would make "a very important decision" regarding "massive sanctions or massive tariffs or both, or we do nothing and say it's your fight." Zelensky has consistently called for an unconditional ceasefire and accused Russia of actively trying to prevent a meeting with Putin to end the war. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, in turn, stated that Putin was ready for a summit only "when the agenda is ready for a summit, and this agenda is not ready at all," accusing Zelensky of rejecting all proposals.