Explosion reported at Russian munitions depot
Explosions could be seen at what appears to be a Russian munition depot as Ukraine celebrated its 33rd Independence Day on Saturday.
Reports suggested that the depot, in the Ostrogozhsk district of Russia’s Voronezh region, had been struck by Ukrainian drones early on Saturday morning.
The day marks two anniversaries: 33 years since Kyiv declared independence from the Soviet Union and 30 months since the start of the Russian invasion in February 2022.
Addressing the nation in a video on X, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said: “Independence is in every one of us. And united, we can win.
“We withstood, restrained, and repulsed the enemy, and now we are pushing it in its swamps. We know what independence is, how difficult it is to revive it, how difficult it is to protect. But we also know that everything depends on us.”
“And whatever the enemy was bringing to our land has now returned to their home. And the one who wanted to turn our land into a buffer zone should think about preventing his country from becoming a buffer federation.”
Zelenskyy noted that the video had been recorded in Sumt Oblast, near the border with Russia. “The border between Ukraine and oppression, between life and death,” he said.
It comes as Ukranian forces continue a to wage a shock incursion into the Kursk region of Russia bordering the two nations. Kyiv said it has brought more than 1,260 square kilometers and 92 settlements under its control since the cross-border offensive was launched on 6 August.
In his address, President Zelenskyy described Ukraine’s offensive into Russia as “justice” and a “boomerang for evil”.
Aleksandr Gusev, Regional Governor of the Voronezh region, said on Telegram that the fire at the depot was sparked by falling drone debris, causing ammunition to explode. He said there had been no casualties.
Russia declared a state of emergency in part of the region following the drone attack and evacuated 200 people, Gusev said. Russian forces intercepted five drones, he added.
Ahead of Independence Day, Sir Keir Starmer told Ukrainians the UK will back them “today and always”.
Dubbing his message “crystal clear”, the Prime Minister said: “My message to all Ukrainians, whether on the front line or here in your second home in the UK, is crystal clear: we are with you today and always.”
“We are with you for as long as it takes,” he continued, before closing with “Slava Ukrani”, a national salute which translates to glory in Ukraine.
On the eve of the celebration, US President Joe Biden pledged to send another batch of air defense missiles to Kyiv as part of a $125 million package of military aid.
“Make no mistake: Russia will not prevail in this conflict,” Biden said. “The independent people of Ukraine will prevail — and the United States, our allies, and our partners, will continue to stand with them every step of the way.”
Defence Secretary John Healey said: “On their Independence Day, we salute the fearless resolve of the Ukrainian people. They fight for freedoms that we must never take for granted.
“Ukraine has no firmer friend than the UK and we will stand with them for as long as it takes. Britain is united for Ukraine.”
In a video address posted on YouTube, President Zelenskyy said: “I had the honor to congratulate all our people, and especially all our warriors on this holiday. And I am proud of everyone who makes our blue and yellow colours so strong and worthy.
“I am proud of all our people who defend our state, defend our independence.”
He continued: “I would also like to thank Kharkiv today – it is the Day of Kharkiv. A truly heroic city, a city of people and life. Since the beginning of this May, our forces have managed to repel Russia’s attempt to assault Kharkiv, to break this city and the entire Kharkiv region.”
Zelenskyy said that they were driving the Russian army out of the Kharkiv region “step by step”.
“The occupier will not subjugate Kharkiv,” he said. “Nor will it subjugate all of our Ukraine.”