Russia accused Ukraine on Aug. 24 of igniting a hearth at a nuclear energy plant within the western Kursk area in a single day with drone assaults.
A number of energy and power amenities had been hit in in a single day strikes, Russian officers mentioned. The plant’s press workplace mentioned on Telegram that the hearth was shortly extinguished and that no employees had 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 Vitality Company (IAEA), the U.N. nuclear watchdog, said that it had seen media reviews of a transformer on the plant catching hearth “on account of navy exercise” however hadn’t independently confirmed the alleged assaults.
Rafael Mariano Grossi, director-general of the IAEA, mentioned, “Each nuclear facility have to be protected always.”
Firefighters had been additionally mobilized to extinguish a hearth on the port of Ust-Luga in Russia’s Leningrad area, the place a serious gas export terminal is situated. Roughly 10 Ukrainian drones had 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 said 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 said that it had shot down or jammed 48 of the drones.
As Ukraine marked its independence day, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a video deal with from Kyiv’s Independence Sq., highlighting his nation’s resolve.
“We’re constructing a Ukraine that may have sufficient power and energy to stay in safety and peace,” Zelenskyy mentioned, noting that Kyiv is looking for a “simply peace.”
“What our future will probably be is as much as us alone,” he mentioned. “And the world is aware of 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 folks, I prolong my congratulations and warmest needs to you and the brave folks of Ukraine as you have fun 34 years of independence,” Trump wrote. “The folks of Ukraine have an unbreakable spirit, and your nation’s braveness evokes many. As you mark this vital day, know that america respects your battle, honors your sacrifices, and believes in your future as an unbiased nation.
“Now could be the second to deliver an finish to the mindless killing. The USA helps a negotiated settlement that results in a sturdy, lasting peace that ends the bloodshed and safeguards Ukraine’s sovereignty and dignity.”
Zelenskyy thanked Trump for the letter, writing: “We recognize your sort phrases for the Ukrainian folks, and we thank america for standing shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine in defending what’s most useful: independence, freedom, and assured peace.
“We imagine that by working collectively, we are able to put an finish to this battle and obtain actual 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 fulfill with Zelenskyy.
“On this special occasion—Ukraine’s Independence Day—it’s particularly vital for us to really feel the assist of our associates. And Canada has all the time stood by our facet,” mentioned Zelenskyy’s chief of employees, Andriy Yermak.
Norway mentioned on Aug. 24 that it was pledging vital new navy 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 may 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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