Ukraine is marking the 35th anniversary of its independence amidst the ongoing war. During commemorative events in Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that while his country desires peace, it will not retreat in the face of Russian demands or surrender its sovereignty.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, President Zelenskyy called on partner nations to increase pressure on Russia to force Moscow to the negotiating table. During the Independence Day events, visiting Western leaders, including British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, reaffirmed their commitment to providing sustained military support to Kyiv.
A new partnership agreement on the development of artificial intelligence technologies in the defense sector was signed between the United Kingdom and Ukraine. The initiative will utilize the "DELTA" combat system to analyze millions of battlefield images, enabling real-time target identification. Additionally, the European Commission has allocated a new 6.1 billion euro financial package to strengthen Ukraine's air defense capabilities, with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasizing that Europe will support Ukraine for as long as necessary.
Meanwhile, hostilities continue along the front lines. The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed to have struck a cargo ship in the port of Odesa, alleging it was carrying military supplies. Conversely, the Ukrainian side reported striking a military plant producing rocket fuel and ammunition in the Rostov region. Russia also claimed control over three settlements in the Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Sumy regions. Despite ongoing mediation efforts, including a recent 10-for-10 prisoner exchange facilitated by Belarus, mutual attacks and clashes on the front lines remain intense.
