Hey fam! Ukraine just marked its Independence Day in Kyiv, and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took center stage, vowing to keep fighting for a "just peace" 🇺🇦✊. Meanwhile, netizens from Mumbai to Manila lit up social feeds with #UkraineIndependenceDay and digital candles 🕯️🌐.
But the mood shifted when Ukraine reportedly launched a drone attack on Russia’s Kursk nuclear plant. Reactor output plunged, and a fire broke out at the Ust-Luga fuel export terminal 🔥⛽. Regional governor Alexander Khinshtein cautioned that nuclear safety could be at risk.
World leaders joined in solidarity: Canada’s Mark Carney and U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg were in Kyiv, and Donald Trump sent a letter affirming belief in Ukraine’s future as an independent state 📜✒️.
On the diplomatic front, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused Western nations of trying to stall peace talks, claiming Ukraine was derailing a process set by Putin and Trump. Zelenskyy, however, signaled he’d meet President Putin—only after allies secure strong guarantees to prevent new attacks 🛡️.
Norse support arrived too: Norway pledged about 7 billion NOK (roughly $696 million) in air-defense systems to Ukraine’s forces. Moscow swiftly rejected any discussion on such guarantees and warned that European troops on Ukrainian soil would be "absolutely unacceptable."
Later, in a retaliation move, the Russian Defense Ministry reported strikes on Ukrainian missile depots loaded with "Sapsan" operational-tactical missiles, a drone workshop, warehouses and temporary deployment sites 🚀🔧.
The conflict’s latest twists show the high stakes at play as Kyiv and Moscow juggle war, diplomacy, and the safety of civilians. We’ll keep you updated on how this drama unfolds! 🔄👀
Reference(s):
Ukraine marks Independence Day after drone hits Russian nuclear plant
cgtn.com
