Russia says Ukrainian drones were behind a fire at a nuclear power plant in the western Kursk region overnight, though officials insist there were no injuries and radiation levels remain normal.
The blaze, which damaged a transformer, was quickly put out, according to the plant’s press service.
In a separate incident, firefighters tackled another fire at Russia’s Ust-Luga port in the Leningrad region—home to a major fuel export terminal. Officials there say about 10 Ukrainian drones were shot down, but falling debris sparked the flames.
Ukraine has not commented on the Russian claims.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has repeatedly urged both Moscow and Kyiv to avoid fighting near nuclear sites, warning of the risks such attacks pose.
Independence Day in Ukraine
The reports of the strikes came as Ukraine celebrated Independence Day on Sunday, marking 34 years since it declared freedom from the Soviet Union in 1991.
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived in Kyiv to meet President Volodymyr Zelensky, with a joint press conference expected later in the day. Zelensky’s chief of staff Andriy Yermak said Canada’s show of support was especially meaningful on such a symbolic day.
King Charles also sent a message of solidarity, praising the "unbreakable spirit" of Ukrainians and expressing hope for a “just and lasting peace.” Zelensky responded by calling the King’s words an inspiration during a difficult time.
In London, the UK government said Ukrainian flags would fly over Downing Street to mark the occasion. Britain also confirmed that its military training program for Ukrainian troops, Operation Interflex, will run at least until the end of 2026. Meanwhile, Norway pledged 7 billion kroner (\$693m) worth of air defence systems for Kyiv, including Patriot missiles and radar, in cooperation with Germany.
Fighting in the East
On the battlefield, Russia claimed on Saturday that its forces had captured two villages in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region. Moscow now controls roughly 20% of Ukrainian territory, though progress has been slow and costly.
The war, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, has recently been the subject of renewed diplomatic efforts. On August 15, US President Donald Trump met with Vladimir Putin in Alaska for peace talks. Both leaders described the summit as productive, but no agreement has been reached.
Since then, Trump has voiced frustration over the lack of progress, hinting at the possibility of new sanctions or tariffs against Russia—or even stepping back from the peace process entirely.
“I’m going to make a decision soon,” Trump told reporters. “It’s either going to be massive sanctions, massive tariffs, both, or nothing at all—and let them fight it out.”
The human cost
Back in Kyiv, Independence Square has been filled with flowers, flags, and memorials honoring Ukrainians who have died in the war. Alongside Ukraine’s blue and yellow flag, tributes from other nations can also be seen.
Zelensky has continued to call for an immediate ceasefire, while accusing Russia of stalling peace talks. Moscow, meanwhile, says President Putin is open to a meeting with Zelensky, but only once a proper agenda is agreed—something Russian officials insist is still far off. Photo by President.gov.ua, Wikimedia commons.