Ukraine
Air defense destroyed or suppressed 109 drones, three missiles, and two "Banderol" drones. Hits were recorded at 22 locations.
On Independence Day, the EU approved €6. 1 billion for Ukraine. The funds will be allocated to air defense, missiles, ammunition and radars.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated Ukrainians on Independence Day in a video address.
Kseniia Bazylenko predicts transformation, political decisions and possible negotiations for Ukraine. She also expects economic and social challenges.
Leaders of the EU, Britain, Luxembourg, Moldova and Estonia, among others, arrived in Kyiv for Independence Day. António Costa, in particular, confirmed his visit.
Over the past day, there were 231 combat engagements, including 35 on the Kostiantynivka front and 20 on the Pokrovsk front. Russia carried out 95 airstrikes and 3,110 shelling attacks.
On August 24, partly cloudy and dry weather is expected in Ukraine. During the day, the temperature will be 21–30°, with westerly and northwesterly winds.
On August 24, 2026, Ukraine will celebrate the 35th anniversary of its independence. The country has journeyed from a post-Soviet state to a symbol of the struggle for freedom.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham will announce in Kyiv the disclosure of SCALP technologies to create assembly lines in Ukraine. London will also continue its military support.
On August 24, Ukraine celebrates Independence Day, while around the world it is Alopecia Awareness Day. Saints are also honored, and unofficial holidays are observed.
At least 25 companies will represent Ukraine at the MSPO 2026 exhibition in Kielce. They will showcase drones, electronic warfare systems, communications equipment, and cyber technologies.
Andy Burnham will meet with Zelenskyy and allies to strengthen support for Ukraine and its air defense. London will disclose data for the production of SCALP missiles.
In Kyiv, Zelenskyy held six meetings with the leaders of the Nordic and Baltic countries. The parties discussed air defense, energy, and defense financing.
Putin said that Ukraine had "opened Pandora's box" by striking Russia's economic infrastructure and threatened retaliation. He also denied the threat of food shortages.
Border guards of the Odesa Detachment raised a 12-by-6-meter Ukrainian flag over the Black Sea. The action was held ahead of State Flag Day.
Zelenskyy and Støre concluded a defense agreement and a declaration on strategic partnership. Norway will provide Ukraine with approximately $9 billion in 2027.
Since the beginning of the day, there have been 196 combat engagements; the enemy launched 7,032 drones and dropped 194 aerial bombs. The most active areas are the Kostiantynivka, Pokrovsk and Lyman directions.
Zelenskyy said that the war is blocking Ukrainian exports, while EU quotas further restrict them. He warned of a food challenge this year.
Zelenskyy said that Ukraine had proposed a grain truce and grain supply options to Russia. He called on international partners to increase pressure on Moscow.
Yevhenii Khmara discussed the situation on the front and support for Ukraine with Senator Richard Blumenthal. He called for limiting Russia's financing.
Ukraine is short of 27 billion for defense needs, of which 10 billion is needed for weapons in January–March 2027. Zelenskyy urged the EU to accelerate the loans.
The Nordic and Baltic countries reaffirmed their political, military, and financial support for Ukraine. They are also ready to help\r\nprotect its energy sector and ports.
Zelenskyy said that Freyja requires weekly progress. The first interceptor is planned to be delivered by the end of 2026.
Ukraine will try to restore attention to the negotiations in the near future, Kyrylo Budanov said.
Russian drones struck the Mondelēz plant in Sumy region twice, damaging the premises and injuring several employees. There are no fatalities.
On Ukraine’s Independence Day, the UN Security Council will discuss Russia’s attacks on civilians, ports and grain exports. Ukraine will call for decisive action.
The Institute of National Remembrance explained the rules for using, storing, and burying damaged flags. Public desecration is punishable by a fine or imprisonment for up to three years.
Zelenskyy said that after the September elections, Russia may recruit 300,000 military personnel in 2026. The decision on mobilization has not been confirmed.
On August 24, light cloudiness with no precipitation is expected. During the day, the temperature will be 21–30°, with westerly and northwesterly winds.
Norway plans to provide Ukraine with around $9 billion in support in 2027, mostly military aid. Kyiv and Oslo will sign a declaration on partnership.