Serhiy Leshchenko, advisor to the Head of the Presidential Office, commented on the statement by US Vice President J. D. Vance about the possible end of the war in six months. Leshchenko emphasized that without a ceasefire and stabilization at the front, it is impossible to predict timelines, as the situation is constantly changing.
The European Union will discuss military support for Ukraine this week, including security guarantees. They will also consider the use of proceeds from frozen Russian assets and the 19th package of sanctions.
The long-range version of the Ukrainian cruise missile "Long Neptune", which has been under development since 2023, has been publicly demonstrated for the first time. It can hit the enemy at a distance of up to 1000 km, has an increased fuselage diameter and a length of more than 6 meters.
US Vice President JD Vance reacted to the Russian strike on an American plant in Mukachevo, stating that the administration does not like the actions of the Russians, but Washington seeks peace. He also criticized former President Joe Biden for inaction in ending the war.
The leadership of the Russian Federation promotes the idea of the "Russian world," which includes the former territories of Kyivan Rus' and the USSR. Lavrov stated that Russia will achieve military goals by protecting the rights of Russian speakers and ensuring Ukraine's neutrality.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha responded to Hungarian Minister Szijjártó's criticism regarding Zelenskyy's statements. Sybiha called on Hungary to diversify energy resources and become independent from Russia.
European politicians explained what guarantees EU countries can offer Ukraine. At the moment, peace negotiations without a ceasefire are simply Putin's pipe dream.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that strikes on enterprises with foreign capital that could be used for military purposes are justified, and accused the West of disrupting negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow. He also questioned the legitimacy of President Zelenskyy and rejected accusations of attacks on civilian targets.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy used a national holiday to threaten Budapest. Szijjártó called on Zelenskyy to stop threatening and attacking energy security.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney inspected the latest Ukrainian weapons and equipment developments. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of developing domestic production for the state's defense.
US Vice President J. D. Vance stated that the Trump administration is considering new sanctions against Russia's oil industry. The goal is to force Moscow to agree to a peace deal with Ukraine using economic pressure.
President Zelenskyy stated that the presence of a foreign contingent is an important part of security guarantees for Ukraine, but it is currently too early to discuss it. He noted that infrastructure must first be prepared, where the Ukrainian army will play a key role.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that Russia has no right to choose security guarantees for Ukraine, as it seeks a long war. President Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine needs security guarantees that will protect it from Russian aggression.
President Zelenskyy thanked the military for long-range strikes and announced "good surprises" for Russians in Donbas. Details will be announced by the Commander-in-Chief.
Ukraine conducted a prisoner exchange, bringing home servicemen of the Armed Forces, National Guard, State Border Guard Service, and civilians. Most of them had been in captivity since 2022, including journalist Dmytro Khyliuk.
President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine has always sought partnership with Hungary. Now, the further state of these relations depends exclusively on Hungary itself.
President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine uses its own long-range weapons to strike Russian territory. He refuted reports of restrictions from the US, emphasizing that this issue was never discussed.
Japanese Ambassador to Ukraine Masashi Nakagome congratulated Ukrainians on Independence Day in Ukrainian. The diplomat confirmed that Japan remains on Ukraine's side, and at the end of his address, he proclaimed: "Glory to Ukraine."
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy celebrated the 34th anniversary of Ukraine's Independence, hosting delegations from Canada, Sweden, Denmark, Romania, Lithuania, Latvia, and Great Britain. He thanked international partners for their support in the war and emphasized the heroism of Ukrainian soldiers.
President Zelenskyy awarded Keith Kellogg, Special Representative of the US President, the Order of Merit, 1st Class. The award was given for his significant contribution to supporting Ukraine and strengthening bilateral relations.
President Zelenskyy emphasized that Donetsk, Luhansk, and Crimea are an integral part of Ukraine. He expressed confidence in the future unification of all regions.
Self-proclaimed President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenka congratulated Ukrainians on Independence Day. He called on them to find their own path to true independence.
On Independence Day, the President of Ukraine honored 126 border guards for their courage, 61 of them posthumously. The awards include the Orders "For Merit", Bohdan Khmelnytsky, "For Courage" and medals.
Dozens of heads of state and government, including the US and China, sent congratulations to Ukraine on the occasion of the 34th anniversary of Independence. President Zelenskyy thanked for the support in the fight against Russian aggression.
Head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak stated that freedom and independence are the code of the Ukrainian state. He thanked every soldier and Ukrainian who fights for Ukraine.
On Independence Day, President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine independently decides its future, and the world recognizes its sovereignty. The country has restored the unity of Europe and the USA, becoming a reliable ally.
President Zelenskyy congratulated Ukrainians on Independence Day, emphasizing that the strength of the state is formed by the daily work and courage of every citizen. He stressed that Ukraine resolutely responds to aggression, defending its sovereignty.
Ukraine successfully consolidates European partners and prevents capitulation at negotiations in Istanbul. The country has achieved significant successes in the development and testing of new models of missile weapons and drones.
The head of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov, met with James Temerty and representatives of the Ukrainian diaspora. The parties discussed new areas of support for Ukraine's military intelligence.
The administration of US President Donald Trump has approved the sale of 3,350 Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM) air-to-surface missiles to Ukraine. Delivery is expected in six weeks, and the arms package is valued at $850 million.