Russia accused Ukraine on Aug. 24 of igniting a fireplace at a nuclear energy plant within the western Kursk area in a single day with drone assaults.
A number of energy and power services have been hit in in a single day strikes, Russian officers mentioned. The plant’s press workplace mentioned on Telegram that the fireplace was rapidly extinguished and that no employees have been injured.
Ukraine didn’t instantly touch upon the drone strike allegations. The incident occurred as Ukraine celebrates 34 years of its independence from the Soviet Union, which dissolved in 1991.
The Worldwide Atomic Power Company (IAEA), the U.N. nuclear watchdog, acknowledged that it had seen media studies of a transformer on the plant catching hearth “due to military activity” however hadn’t independently confirmed the alleged assaults.
Rafael Mariano Grossi, director-general of the IAEA, mentioned, “Every nuclear facility must be protected at all times.”
Firefighters have been additionally mobilized to extinguish a fireplace on the port of Ust-Luga in Russia’s Leningrad area, the place a serious gas export terminal is situated. Roughly 10 Ukrainian drones have been shot down, with hearth being lit from the particles, the regional governor mentioned.
The Russian Protection Ministry mentioned its air defenses had intercepted 95 Ukrainian drones over its home airspace in a single day into Aug. 24.
The Ukrainian air pressure acknowledged that Russia launched 72 drones and decoys, together with a cruise missile, into Ukrainian territory in a single day into Aug. 24. The air pressure acknowledged that it had shot down or jammed 48 of the drones.
As Ukraine marked its independence day, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a video tackle from Kyiv’s Independence Sq., highlighting his nation’s resolve.
“We are building a Ukraine that will have enough strength and power to live in security and peace,” Zelenskyy mentioned, noting that Kyiv is asking for a “just peace.”
“What our future will be is up to us alone,” he mentioned. “And the world knows this. And the world respects this. It respects Ukraine. It perceives Ukraine as an equal.”
Trump penned a letter to Zelenskyy to congratulate his nation on its independence, which the Ukrainian president shared on X.
“On behalf of the American people, I extend my congratulations and warmest wishes to you and the courageous people of Ukraine as you celebrate 34 years of independence,” Trump wrote. “The individuals of Ukraine have an unbreakable spirit, and your nation’s braveness evokes many. As you mark this vital day, know that the USA respects your battle, honors your sacrifices, and believes in your future as an impartial nation.
“Now is the moment to bring an end to the senseless killing. The United States supports a negotiated settlement that leads to a durable, lasting peace that ends the bloodshed and safeguards Ukraine’s sovereignty and dignity.”
Zelenskyy thanked Trump for the letter, writing: “We admire your type phrases for the Ukrainian individuals, and we thank the USA for standing shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine in defending what’s Most worthy: independence, freedom, and assured peace.
“We believe that by working together, we can put an end to this war and achieve real peace for Ukraine.”
Keith Kellogg, U.S. particular envoy, attended Independence Day celebrations in Kyiv, the place Zelenskyy awarded him the Ukrainian Order of Advantage, of the first diploma.
On the morning of Aug. 24, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived within the Ukrainian capital to satisfy with Zelenskyy.
“On this special day—Ukraine’s Independence Day—it is especially important for us to feel the support of our friends. And Canada has always stood by our side,” mentioned Zelenskyy’s chief of employees, Andriy Yermak.
Norway mentioned on Aug. 24 that it was pledging important new army assist to Ukraine, together with roughly $695 million for air protection programs. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Retailer mentioned his nation and Germany are collectively funding two patriot programs, together with missiles. Norway will even assist produce air protection radar.
A number of different world leaders, together with King Charles III of Britain, Swiss Confederation President Karin Keller-Sutter, French President Emmanuel Macron, and King Willem-Alexander of The Netherlands, additionally despatched letters to Zelenskyy on Aug. 24 celebrating Ukraine’s independence.
The Related Press contributed to this report.
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