Kiev commemorates independence amidst dim peace outlook
In the heart of Kyiv, the Statue of Liberty on Maidan Square serves as a powerful symbol of Ukraine's indestructibility, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky. Amidst the backdrop of Ukraine's Independence Day celebrations, three and a half years into the ongoing war, Zelensky addressed his fellow citizens, expressing a new sense of self-worth among Ukrainians that the war has instilled.
International support for Ukraine has been forthcoming, with around 30 states expressing their readiness to aid the nation. Notable among these are Japan and Canada, and efforts are underway to secure security guarantees from a broad range of states, including the United States, led by Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul.
The United States and several European countries, including ten EU states led notably by France and the United Kingdom, have agreed to provide security guarantees for Ukraine. This framework, reminiscent of NATO's Article 5, would offer Ukraine mutual defense assurances similar to those enshrined in the NATO treaty. Russia has reportedly accepted this framework, allowing the US and European allies to offer Ukraine such guarantees without its formal NATO membership.
Ukraine has been stepping up its own defensive capabilities, with a focus on drone production. The nation has unveiled a new missile, the Flamingo, with a range of up to 3,000 kilometres. This comes as Ukraine continues to target fuel depots and military airfields deep in Russia, causing significant disruption to Russia's fuel supply in recent weeks.
However, the ongoing mutual attacks indicate that the prospects for a quick peace are bleak. The Russian military claims to have shot down 95 Ukrainian combat drones, while Ukrainian air defense reports 75 drones and one missile used by Russia for the attack. Incidents such as a drone attack near the nuclear power plant in the western Russian region of Kursk and the fire at a terminal of the Kremlin-linked oil and gas producer Novatek in the Russian Baltic Sea port of Ust-Luga near St. Petersburg, caused by debris from downed drones, underscore the intensity of these clashes.
Zelensky has been vocal about the daily air strikes by Russia against civilian facilities such as hospitals and schools in Ukraine. His speech, broadcast on Telegram, detailed the damage caused by these attacks, including the explosion of a drone that damaged a transformer for the power supply of a power plant, reducing the performance of one block by half.
Amidst these challenges, signs of international solidarity are evident. US Special Representative Keith Kellogg received the Order of Merit of the 1st Class from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, a testament to the enduring partnership between the two nations. As the conflict continues, the international community remains hopeful that diplomatic efforts will lead to a peaceful resolution.
