Kyiv: In a powerful address marking Ukraine’s 33rd Independence Day, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized how Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has backfired, as the conflict has now extended into Russian territory. Speaking from Sumy, a region near the Russian border where Ukrainian forces made incursions earlier this month, Zelenskyy expressed his nation’s resilience and the unexpected consequences of the war for Russia.
“Russia was seeking one thing: to destroy us. Instead, today we celebrate the 33rd Independence Day of Ukraine. And what the enemy brought to our land has now returned to his home,” said Zelenskyy.
He further cautioned those who once saw Ukraine as a buffer zone, noting that their own country’s safety could now be at risk. “And those who sought to turn our lands into a buffer zone should now worry that their own country doesn’t become a buffer federation,” Zelenskyy added. “This is how independence responds.”
Ukraine Ratifies Rome Statute
In a significant step towards aligning with international justice, Ukraine ratified the Rome Statute, a move that allows the country to join the International Criminal Court (ICC). President Zelenskyy signed the law, seen as a vital part of Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to integrate with the European Union. The statute’s ratification, as published on the parliament’s website, represents a milestone in Ukraine’s legal and international framework, further strengthening its commitment to justice and global cooperation.
Ban on Moscow-Affiliated Religious Groups
In another bold legislative move, Zelenskyy signed a law banning religious organizations linked to Moscow, further distancing Ukraine from Russia. The law, passed earlier this month by parliament, grants the Ukrainian government the authority to shut down these institutions, particularly those associated with a branch of the Orthodox Church accused of supporting Russia’s invasion. The legislation underscores Ukraine’s determination to break free from Russian influence and assert its independent religious identity.
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Emergency Declared in Voronezh Following Drone Strike
After a drone strike, a state of emergency has been declared in parts of Russia’s Voronezh region, which borders Ukraine. According to regional governor Alexander Gusev, Russian forces intercepted five drones, but debris caused a fire that led to an explosion involving explosive materials. Though no civilian structures were damaged, emergency protocols were initiated in three settlements, and around 200 people were evacuated as a precaution.
Ukraine’s military claims control over 1,200 square kilometers (480 square miles) of Russian territory in the Kursk region. In the past week, Ukraine has also executed drone strikes on key infrastructure, including bridges, airfields, and drone bases in Russia.
