Ukraine Marks Independence Day Amid Escalating Russian Attacks

Ukraine celebrated its 35th Independence Day on Monday, but the mood was heavy with the constant threat of Russian attacks. One security specialist believes President Vladimir Putin feels panicked now that Ukrainian forces are striking much deeper inside Russia. The holiday marks the date Ukraine declared independence from the Soviet Union back in August 1991. Tensions rose sharply as Moscow intensified strikes on civilian infrastructure right before this special occasion. Ukraine's Security Service even issued warnings about potential terrorist plots ahead of the event.

European leaders traveled to Kyiv for Independence Day events, standing with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as the war drags on. Zelenskyy made it clear that Ukraine seeks peace but will not give in to Moscow's demands. A recent Russian drone strike hit a crowded shopping center in Kryvyi Rih, where Zelenskyy was born. That attack killed at least 16 people and injured roughly 130 others according to reports from The Associated Press.

Moscow faces its own kind of hell as Ukrainian drones target major refineries supplying the capital's fuel market. Putin has warned that hitting Russian economic targets opens a Pandora's box, yet Kyiv insists these deep strikes are essential for disrupting Moscow's logistics. Ukraine has already targeted warehouses used by online giants Wildberries and Ozon.

"The war with Russia has seen a lot of advances for the Ukrainians over this year," Carrie Filipetti told Fox News Digital. She now leads the Vandenberg Coalition after serving as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State. "They've recently been able to actually penetrate much deeper into Russian territory, including close to Moscow and St. Petersburg." Her observation suggests that Ukrainian military success is causing Russians to panic and attack more aggressively inside Ukraine.

"They're trying to weaken their will and capabilities," Filipetti explained regarding the shift in tactics. "This is why he recently targeted a shopping mall inside Ukrainian territory." She noted Putin is not focused on military assets anymore but rather trying to defeat the spirit of Ukrainians by attacking them directly. This represents gasps at retaining control when feeling cornered, she argued.

Kyiv endured nearly 600 missiles and drones in its deadliest strike since May, a lethal exchange that preceded Monday's holiday. Filipetti warned that targeting civilian areas creates huge security risks during such celebrations. Several European leaders, including European Council President António Costa, traveled to Kyiv for the festivities. Leaders from Finland, Lithuania, Norway, Denmark, Estonia, and Latvia were also present.

"Independence Day is a really important moment for the allies of the Ukrainians to really show that we are not losing steam," Filipetti said during an interview. "It continues to support their sovereignty." However, she cautioned that massive public gatherings increase security risks significantly anytime they demonstrate patriotism or state support. Ukrainian authorities urged citizens to stay vigilant on public transport and guard against sabotage. They also warned people not to share media that could reveal military positions or lead to attacks. Filipetti added that Ukrainians should be particularly careful about posting videos or photos that might betray the locations of frontline soldiers.

Ukrainian officials confirmed at least seven deaths resulting from Russian attacks. Meanwhile, a drone strike launched by Ukraine inside Russia's Krasnodar region claimed three lives, according to Russian authorities. The Associated Press gathered these reports on the shifting frontlines.

"The Russians really want to bleed the Ukrainians of people, equipment, and will before the Russians are bled of those same three things," Filipetti said. "And what we've seen over the course of this year is almost no territorial gains on behalf of the Russians."

They are losing more soldiers each month than they can recruit, forcing them to rely on North Korean, Cuban and other foreign fighters to fill the gap, Filipetti added.

ZELENSKYY SAYS PUTIN 'LOST THE INITIATIVE' AS UKRAINE'S TECH INDUSTRY RESHAPES THE WAR

"Remember, Putin thought that this was going to be a special military operation that was going to last a matter of weeks," Filipetti said.

Ultimately, she emphasized that Ukraine's resolve delivers a firm deterrent beyond Moscow. "It sends a message to the Russians that any invasion of sovereign territory, like their invasion of Ukraine, is going to create more consequences for them," Filipetti said. "We are not losing steam, and we continue to support their operations, to continue to support their sovereignty."

Filipetti said it also sends an important message to other American adversaries like China. These adversaries of the United States really learned from how the United States handles conflicts in other theaters. It's really important that our adversaries of China, Russia, Iran, and others understand that if they invade another country unilaterally, there are going to be consequences, not rewards.

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