On the celebration of Ukraine's Independence Day, President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed to persevere in the struggle for his country's freedom, stating that Ukraine will persist "while calls for peace are not heard." He described Ukraine not as a victim but a fighter, asserting, "We have not yet won, but, certainly, we have not lost." His remarks followed claims from Moscow about drone strikes on Russian energy facilities, with Ukrainian officials accusing Russia of using propaganda to distort the narrative.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) noted it was tracking reports of a fire at a nuclear power plant in Russia but could not verify the details independently. Meanwhile, a significant prisoner exchange took place, seeing 146 soldiers from both Russia and Ukraine returned to their nations, including a journalist abducted early in the war.
Celebrations in Kyiv included the presence of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who reaffirmed Canada's support for Ukraine, announcing a military package worth over $2 billion, featuring drones and armored vehicles. US envoy Keith Kellogg was honored during the festivities, with Zelensky expressing gratitude for US backing in the struggle.
Letters from global leaders, including King Charles, marked the occasion, praising Ukraine's resilience. Meanwhile, countries like Norway and Sweden announced further military aid, including air defense systems and joint defense production initiatives.
As tensions grow, both military and diplomatic maneuvers seek to navigate the ongoing war, with Zelensky continuously advocating for an immediate ceasefire. However, discussions about peace remain complex, with Russia's Foreign Minister suggesting that an agenda for talks is not yet ready, compounding the challenges ahead in the quest for lasting tranquility in the region.
