Kiev commemorates its independence amidst bleak predictions for peace
On Ukraine's Independence Day, President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a speech in Kiev, celebrating three and a half years since the start of the war with Russia. The day was marked by a renewed sense of self-worth among Ukrainians, as they continue to take control of their own fate and fight for their freedom.
In a significant development, France, the United Kingdom, and several smaller European countries have declared their willingness to provide security guarantees for Ukraine. About 10 countries in total are reportedly ready to provide troops, with a non-frontline "stabilization" role in mind. However, the United States has ruled out stationing troops on Ukrainian soil.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is pushing for a broad range of states, including the US, to provide security guarantees to Ukraine. Around 30 states have agreed to support Ukraine, including Japan and Canada.
The ongoing conflict has seen a surge in drone activity. A combat drone was shot down near a nuclear power plant in the western Russian region of Kursk, damaging a transformer for the power supply. The power plant's performance was reduced by half due to the explosion. In response, Ukraine has intensified its own drone production program and presented a new missile, Flamingo, with a range of up to 3,000 kilometers.
Ukraine has been responding with attacks on fuel depots and military airfields deep in Russia. These attacks have severely disrupted Russia's fuel supply in recent weeks, with several hits reported in the Russian Baltic Sea port of Ust-Luga near St. Petersburg.
Direct talks between Kyiv and Moscow at lower levels have shown little progress, with prisoner exchanges being the only regular occurrence. Ongoing mutual attacks indicate that prospects for a quick peace are bleak.
Russian military claims to have shot down 95 Ukrainian combat drones, while Ukrainian air defense reports 75 drones and one missile used by Russia for the attack. Zelensky mentioned Russia's daily air strikes on civilian facilities such as hospitals and schools in Ukraine.
Hopes for a meeting between Ukrainian President Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, suggested by former US President Trump, have largely faded. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that such a meeting would need to be well-prepared and repeated known demands that resemble conditions for Ukraine's surrender.
Despite the challenges, the Statue of Liberty on the Maidan was emphasized as a symbol of Ukraine's indestructibility. On this Independence Day, Ukrainians stand resolute in their pursuit of peace and freedom.
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