People walk around destroyed Russian military vehicles installed in downtown Kyiv, Ukraine. Photo / AP
Ukraine's president says Russian forces have launched a rocket attack on a railroad station in central Ukraine on the country's Independence Day, killing at least 22 people and wounding about 50.
The lethal strike yesterday came after warnings from President Volodymyr Zelensky in recent days that the Russians might "try to do something particularly nasty, something particularly cruel" this week.
August 24 is a national holiday in Ukraine commemorating the country's declaration of independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. It also marks the six-month point in the war against Russia.
Ukraine had been bracing for what Zelenskyy warned could be especially brutal Russian attacks as the country observed its Independence Day - and marked the war's six-month point - under conditions considered too dangerous to allow any major public celebrations in the capital.
Residents of Kyiv, which has been largely spared in recent months, woke up to air raid sirens, with a tense wait for airstrikes. As the day wore on, Russian bombardment was reported in the country's east, south and west, but the attacks did not initially appear heavier than usual.
Outgoing British Prime Minister Boris Johnson marked the holiday with a visit to Kyiv - his third since the war broke out - and other European leaders used the occasion to pledge unwavering support for Ukraine, locked in a battle that was widely expected to be a lightning conquest by Moscow but has turned into a grinding war of attrition.
The US announced a major new military aid package totaling nearly $3 billion to help Ukrainian forces fight for years to come.
Independence Day commemorates Ukraine's 1991 declaration of independence from the Soviet Union.
Kyiv authorities banned large gatherings in the capital, fearing the national holiday might bring particularly heavy Russian missile strikes.
"Russian provocations and brutal strikes are a possibility," Zelenskyy said in a statement. "Please strictly follow the safety rules. Please observe the curfew. Pay attention to the air sirens. Pay attention to official announcements."
Nevertheless, a festive atmosphere prevailed at Kyiv's Maidan square as thousands of residents posed for pictures next to burned-out Russian tanks put on display. Folk singers set up, and many revellers - ignoring the sirens - were out and about in traditionally embroidered dresses and shirts.
Others were fearful.
"I can't sleep at night because of what I see and hear about what is being done in Ukraine," said a retiree who gave only her first name, Tetyana, her voice shaking with emotion. "This is not a war. It is the destruction of the Ukrainian people."
In a holiday message to the country, Zelenskyy exulted over Ukraine's success in fending off Moscow's forces since the invasion, saying: "On February 24, we were told: You have no chance. On August 24, we say: Happy Independence Day, Ukraine!"
Zelensky also addressed the UN Security Council via video over Russia's objections and said the "security of the entire world" is at stake in Ukraine's battle against Moscow's "insane aggression".
US President Joe Biden said the latest American aid package will allow Ukraine to acquire air defence and artillery systems and other weapons.
"I know this Independence Day is bittersweet for many Ukrainians as thousands have been killed or wounded, millions have been displaced from their homes, and so many others have fallen victim to Russian atrocities and attacks," Biden said. "But six months of relentless attacks have only strengthened Ukrainians' pride in themselves, in their country, and in their 31 years of independence."
Johnson urged Western allies to stand by Ukraine through the winter.
"This is not the time to put forward flimsy negotiating proposals," he said. "You can't negotiate with a bear when it's eating your leg or with a street robber when he has you pinned to the floor."
In Germany, Chancellor Olaf Scholz rebuked the Kremlin for its "backward imperialism" and declared that Ukraine "will drive away the dark shadow of war because it is strong and brave, because it has friends in Europe and all over the world."
A car bombing outside Moscow that killed the 29-year-old daughter of Right-wing Russian political theorist Alexander Dugin on Saturday also heightened fears that Russia might intensify attacks on Ukraine this week. Russian officials have blamed Ukraine for the death of Darya Dugina, a pro-Kremlin TV commentator. Ukraine has denied any involvement.
Russian President Vladimir Putin's forces have encountered unexpectedly stiff Ukrainian resistance in their invasion and abandoned their effort to storm the capital in the spring. The fighting has turned into a slog that has reduced neighbourhoods to rubble and sent shock waves through the world economy.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, speaking Wednesday at a meeting of his counterparts from a security organization dominated by Russia and China, claimed the slow pace of Moscow's military action was due to what he said was an effort to spare civilians.
Russian forces have repeatedly targeted civilian areas in cities, including hospitals and a Mariupol theatre where hundreds of people were taking shelter.
But Shoigu said Russia is carrying out strikes with precision weapons against Ukrainian military targets, and "everything is done to avoid civilian casualties".
"Undoubtedly, it slows down the pace of the offensive, but we do it deliberately," he said.
He also criticised the US and its allies for "continuing to pump weapons into Ukraine," saying the aid is dragging out the conflict and increasing casualties.
On the battlefield, Russian forces struck several towns and villages in Donetsk province in the east over 24 hours, killing one person, authorities said. A building materials superstore in the city of Donetsk was hit by a shell and erupted in flames, the mayor said. There were no immediate reports of any injuries.
In the Dnipropetrovsk region on the southern front, the Russians again shelled the cities of Nikopol and Marhanets, damaging several buildings and wounding two people, authorities said. Russian troops also shelled the city of Zaporizhzhia, but no casualties were reported.
Also, Russian rockets struck unspecified targets in the Khmelnytskyi region, about 300km west of Kyiv, the regional governor said. Attacks there have been infrequent.