Ukraine celebrated its 35th Independence Day on Monday as Russian forces intensified attacks on civilian infrastructure and Kyiv struck deeper inside Russia, prompting allies to reaffirm support.
Ukraine Marks 35th Independence Day Amid intensified Strikes
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared that Ukraine seeks peace but will not surrender to Moscow, while European leaders, including European Council President António Costa and heads of Finland, Lithuania, Norway, Denmark, Estonia and Latvia, traveled to Kyiv for commemorations.
A Russian drone struck a crowded shopping centre in Zelenskyy’s hometown of Kryvyi Rih on Friday, killing at least 16 people and injuring 130, according to the Associated Press.
Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Carrie Filipetti, now executive director of the Vandenberg Coalition, said Ukrainian operations have penetrated close to Moscow and St. Petersburg, causing Russian panic.
“They’ve penetrated much deeper into Russian territory, including near Moscow and St. Petersburg,” Filipetti said. “Their success has made Russia panic and launch more strikes inside Ukraine to break Ukrainian will.”
Kyiv has hit Russian economic infrastructure, including warehouses for Wildberries and Ozon, while warning that civilian strikes raise security risks during the holiday.
Russia Escalates Campaign
Russia unleashed nearly 600 missiles and drones on Kyiv in what officials called the deadliest strike since May, targeting civilian areas and critical infrastructure.
Filipetti noted that Russia loses soldiers faster than it can recruit, forcing reliance on North Korean, Cuban and other foreign fighters, and that Moscow has banned diesel exports amid fuel shortages.
President Zelenskyy said Putin has “lost the initiative,” as Ukraine’s tech sector reshapes the war effort.
“Putin thought this was a short‑lived operation; instead, Ukraine’s resolve delivers a firm deterrent and sends a clear message that any unilateral invasion will meet consequences,” Filipetti said.
Ukrainian authorities urged citizens to stay vigilant on public transport and avoid sharing images that could reveal military positions, warning that large gatherings increase security risk.
At least seven deaths were reported from Russian attacks on Monday, while a Ukrainian drone strike in Russia’s Krasnodar region killed three, according to Russian officials and the Associated Press.
Emma Bussey, breaking news writer for Fox News Digital, previously reported for The Telegraph’s U.S. overnight team.
