Ukrainian ambassador: If Russia says it wants to kill you, you best believe it - LRT

On 24 August 2026, Ukraine marked its 35th Independence Day while the Russian invasion continues. European leaders marked the day, and Zelensky said Ukraine will defend its independence and made a jab at Putin. Zelensky also said Ukraine needs $27 billion as Russia targets Odesa's ports and the grain corridor. Macron said Russia will try to escalate against Europe to deter support for Ukraine.

The Kremlin said Britain is 'participating in and intensifying' the conflict, and its briefing also covered Armenia's CSTO future and Kyiv's strikes on targets in Russia. A Russian legislator said Western NGOs were involved in attempts to destabilize Russia ahead of elections. Nebenzya said weapons from the West reach Ukrainian ports disguised as cargo and called the negotiation demands put to Russia over Ukraine strange.