Russia has attributed a fire at a nuclear power plant in the Kursk region to drone attacks by Ukraine, claiming several energy facilities were targeted overnight. The plant’s press service reported that the fire was contained without injuries and indicated that a transformer was damaged, while radiation levels remained normal.
In another incident, a fire occurred at the port of Ust-Luga, linked to debris from approximately ten Ukrainian drones that were reportedly downed. Ukraine has not publicly responded to these allegations.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has emphasized the need for both Russia and Ukraine to exercise caution around nuclear facilities amid ongoing hostilities. The situation coincides with Ukraine’s Independence Day, commemorating its break from Soviet control in 1991.
On the same day, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visited Kyiv to meet President Volodymyr Zelensky. Zelensky’s chief of staff expressed the importance of international support, while Zelensky shared a message from King Charles, who offered his encouragement to the Ukrainian people in their time of war.
In recognition of Independence Day, the UK government announced the display of Ukrainian flags at Downing Street. British military support to train Ukrainian soldiers is set to extend through 2026, as confirmed by the Ministry of Defence. Norway also pledged around 7 billion kroner (approximately $693 million) in air defense systems to Ukraine, collaborating with Germany to enhance Ukraine’s military capabilities.
Concurrently, reports indicate that Russian forces captured two villages in eastern Ukraine, gradually advancing in the Donetsk region. Notably, the wider conflict began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Recent diplomatic conversations at the presidential level, including a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, have aimed at addressing the situation. Still, Trump has expressed frustration over the slow progress towards a peace agreement and is considering additional economic sanctions in response to the ongoing conflict.
Zelensky has persistently called for an unconditional ceasefire, while Russia’s Foreign Minister indicated a willingness for dialogue contingent upon a suitable agenda, which he claims is currently lacking.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czxy2v9dzgxo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss