Russia accused Ukraine of conducting drone strikes that ignited a fire at a nuclear power plant in the Kursk region overnight. This incident coincided with Ukraine's celebration of its 34th independence day. Russian officials reported that multiple power and energy facilities were targeted during the attacks.

The fire at the nuclear facility was quickly brought under control, and no injuries were reported, according to the plant's press service on Telegram. Although a transformer was damaged, radiation levels remained normal. The United Nations' nuclear watchdog acknowledged media reports about the fire but stated it had not received independent verification. Rafael Mariano Grossi, the agency's director-general, emphasized that "every nuclear facility must be protected at all times."

Ukraine did not respond immediately to the allegations. In addition to the nuclear incident, firefighters also dealt with a fire at the Ust-Luga port in Russia's Leningrad region, which is a significant fuel export terminal. The regional governor claimed that around 10 Ukrainian drones were shot down, with debris from these drones causing the fire.

Russia's Defense Ministry reported that its air defenses intercepted 95 Ukrainian drones over its territory during the night. In retaliation, Russia launched 72 drones and decoys, along with a cruise missile, into Ukraine. Ukraine's air force stated that 48 of these drones were either shot down or jammed.

These events unfolded as Ukraine marked its independence day, commemorating its 1991 declaration of independence from the Soviet Union. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the nation via video from Kyiv's Independence Square, reaffirming Ukraine's determination. "We are building a Ukraine that will have enough strength and power to live in security and peace," he stated, advocating for a "just peace."

Zelenskyy also noted, "What our future will be is up to us alone," referencing concerns that the recent U.S.–Russia summit in Alaska might overlook Ukrainian and European interests. He added, "And the world knows this. And the world respects this. It respects Ukraine. It perceives Ukraine as an equal."

U.S. special envoy Keith Kellogg attended the independence day celebrations, where Zelenskyy awarded him the Ukrainian Order of Merit, 1st degree. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visited Kyiv for discussions with Zelenskyy. Andriy Yermak, Zelenskyy's chief of staff, remarked, "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."

During a joint press conference, Carney announced that Canada would invest 2 billion Canadian dollars (approximately $1.5 billion) in new military assistance for Ukraine. This funding aims to strengthen Ukraine's military capabilities and provide urgently needed weapons. Zelenskyy mentioned that the two leaders were considering the deployment of Canadian forces in Ukraine as part of a reassurance initiative.

Norway also pledged significant military aid, committing about 7 billion kroner ($695 million) for air defense systems. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store stated that Norway and Germany would jointly fund two Patriot systems, including missiles, and that Norway would assist in procuring air defense radar.

Pope Leo XIV offered prayers for peace in Ukraine during his weekly blessing, marking the country's independence day. He expressed solidarity with Ukrainians, asking for divine intervention to bring peace to their "martyred country." The Pope sent a telegram to President Zelenskyy, which the Ukrainian leader shared on social media, along with messages from other world leaders.

Meanwhile, fighting continued in eastern Ukraine, where Russia claimed to have captured two villages in the Donetsk region. The Russian Defense Ministry announced the return of 146 servicemen from Ukraine in exchange for an equal number of Ukrainian personnel. This exchange also included eight residents from Russia's Kursk region, who had been held in Ukraine since a surprise incursion in August 2024. Zelenskyy confirmed that those exchanged included members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the National Guard, the State Border Guard Service, and civilians, stating, "Most of them had been in captivity since 2022." He did not specify the total number of prisoners involved in the exchange.