Ukraine's Independence Day Marked by Escalated Drone and Missile Attacks Amid Mutual Accusations
Ukraine's Independence Day was marked by escalated drone and missile attacks from both sides. Russia launched 72 projectiles, claiming 95 interceptions, while Ukraine affirmed its resolve.
Russia accuses Ukraine of hitting nuclear power plant in drone attack
Washington Examiner
Overview
- Ukraine's Independence Day was overshadowed by a major escalation in drone and missile attacks, with both Russian and Ukrainian forces launching strikes across various regions.
- Russia launched 72 drones and missiles, including an Iskander-M, into Ukraine, while simultaneously claiming to have intercepted 95 Ukrainian drones over its own territory.
- Russia accused Ukraine of causing a fire at a nuclear power plant in the Kursk region via drone attacks; however, the blaze was swiftly extinguished with no reported radiation increase.
- A separate fire broke out at the port of Ust-Luga in Russia's Leningrad region, and Ukrainian forces reportedly shot down or jammed 48 drones during the ongoing conflict.
- President Zelenskyy reaffirmed Ukraine's unwavering commitment to independence, as the UN nuclear watchdog investigates reports of a transformer fire at a nuclear power plant.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover this story neutrally by presenting a balanced account of events. They attribute claims to their respective sources, include perspectives from both Russia and Ukraine, and provide broader context without using loaded language or prioritizing one narrative. This approach allows readers to form their own conclusions based on reported facts.
"The incidents occurred as Ukraine marked independence day, commemorating its 1991 declaration of independence from the Soviet Union."
Chicago Tribune"The incidents occurred as Ukraine marked independence day, commemorating its 1991 declaration of independence from the Soviet Union."
ABC News"Ukraine would "not wait for gestures of goodwill," he added: "When Russia wants to take Sumy region, then our armed forces appear in Kursk region."
BBC News"Russia launched drones and a missile into Ukraine overnight into Sunday, the air force in Kyiv said, as the country kicked off independence day celebrations marking the anniversary of its 1991 declaration of independence from the Soviet Union."
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FAQ
On Ukraine's Independence Day, Russia launched 72 drones and missiles, including an Iskander-M, targeting various Ukrainian locations, resulting in several casualties and damage. Ukraine shot down a significant number of these drones and also launched its own drone attacks on Russian territory, including at a nuclear power plant. The attacks killed and injured multiple civilians across several oblasts.
The drone attack at the Kursk nuclear power plant caused a fire that was quickly extinguished, with no casualties or increased radiation levels reported. The International Atomic Energy Agency is investigating the incident due to concerns about fighting near nuclear facilities.
Civilian casualties in Ukraine reached a three-year high in July 2025, with 286 civilians killed and 1,388 injured, marking a 22.5% increase compared to July 2024. Attacks, including long-range missile strikes, have caused significant casualties in major cities such as Kyiv, Dnipro, and Kharkiv.
President Zelenskyy reaffirmed Ukraine's unwavering commitment to independence amid the attacks, emphasizing that Ukraine is a fighter and not a victim. He has received international support from various world leaders who sent messages on Ukraine's Independence Day.
Recent diplomatic efforts, including a push by former U.S. President Donald Trump to broker a summit between Putin and Zelenskyy, have stalled, with Russia ruling out any immediate meeting. The conflict remains a virtual stalemate with ongoing fighting and no ceasefire in place.
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