Ukraine marked its 34th year of independence amidst heightened military activity, as Russia reported a significant drone attack on its western Kursk region. According to Russian officials, a Ukrainian drone strike overnight sparked a fire at a nuclear power plant, one of several power and energy facilities targeted. The plant’s press service confirmed that the fire, which damaged a transformer, was swiftly extinguished with no reported injuries, and radiation levels remained within normal parameters. The United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, while acknowledging media reports of the incident, noted it had not received independent confirmation but reiterated its director-general Rafael Mariano Grossi’s stance that “every nuclear facility must be protected at all times.” Ukraine has not yet commented on the alleged attack.

Beyond the nuclear facility, firefighters also responded to a blaze at the port of Ust-Luga in Russia’s Leningrad region, a critical hub for fuel exports. The regional governor attributed this fire to debris from approximately 10 Ukrainian drones that were reportedly shot down. Concurrently, Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed its air defences intercepted 95 Ukrainian drones over Russian territory overnight into Sunday, indicating a widespread drone offensive.

In response, Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched 72 drones and decoys, alongside a cruise missile, into Ukraine overnight into Sunday. Ukrainian air defences successfully shot down or jammed 48 of these aerial threats, demonstrating ongoing defensive efforts.

These incidents unfolded as Ukraine celebrated its Independence Day, commemorating its 1991 declaration of independence from the Soviet Union. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the nation in a video message from Kyiv’s Independence Square, underscoring Ukraine’s unwavering resolve. Zelenskyy articulated a vision of a secure and peaceful future, stating, “We are building a Ukraine that will have enough strength and power to live in security and peace,” and called for a “just peace.” He emphasised Ukraine’s agency in shaping its destiny, remarking, “What our future will be is up to us alone,” and asserted the world’s respect for Ukraine as an equal, a subtle nod to previous international summits that raised concerns about Ukrainian interests being sidelined.

The celebrations were bolstered by strong international support. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived in Kyiv on Sunday morning for meetings with President Zelenskyy, with Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, expressing gratitude for Canada’s steadfast partnership. Further concrete support came from Norway, which announced a substantial new military aid package of approximately 7 billion kroner (€594 million) for air defence systems. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store confirmed that Norway and Germany are jointly funding two Patriot systems, including missiles, with Norway also contributing to the procurement of air defence radar.

Meanwhile, intense fighting persisted on the front lines in eastern Ukraine, where Russia claimed on Saturday that its forces had successfully seized two villages in the Donetsk region, highlighting the continued grinding conflict despite diplomatic and celebratory moments.