Ukraine marked its 35th Independence Day on Monday while Russian forces continued to target civilian infrastructure across the country. The celebration came amid a surge of Ukrainian strikes on Russian economic sites, prompting some experts to describe President Vladimir Putin as “panicked”.
Escalating strikes on both sides
Ukrainian officials reported a lethal exchange of drone and missile attacks on the holiday. Russian officials confirmed three Ukrainian drone strikes in the Krasnodar region, while Ukrainian authorities said at least seven people were killed by Russian attacks nationwide.
One of the most deadly incidents occurred on Friday when a Russian drone hit a crowded shopping center in Kryvyi Rih, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s hometown, killing at least 16 people and injuring 130, according to the Associated Press.
Analysts warn of growing Russian anxiety
Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Carrie Filipetti, now executive director of the Vandenberg Coalition, told Fox News Digital that Ukrainian forces have recently penetrated deeper into Russian territory, reaching areas near Moscow and St. Petersburg. She said this progress has made Putin “very anxious” and caused him to target civilian sites in an effort to weaken Ukrainian morale.
Filipetti added that the Russian leadership’s focus on striking shopping malls and other non‑military targets reflects a strategy aimed at breaking the will of the Ukrainian people rather than degrading military capabilities.
International support highlighted
European leaders, including European Council President António Costa and officials from Finland, Lithuania, Norway, Denmark, Estonia and Latvia, traveled to Kyiv to attend Independence Day events. Filipetti said their presence underscored continued international backing for Ukraine’s sovereignty.
She also warned that large public gatherings increase security risks, urging citizens to avoid sharing photos or videos that could reveal the locations of frontline soldiers.
Broader implications
Filipetti noted that Russia’s reliance on foreign fighters from countries such as North Korea and Cuba highlights the strain on its own manpower. She argued that the ongoing Ukrainian resistance sends a clear message to other potential aggressors, including China, that unilateral invasions will meet significant consequences.
As the war enters its fifth year, both sides continue to suffer casualties, and the conflict’s impact on civilian populations remains a central concern for the international community.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
