Kyiv, August 24, 2024 - On Ukraine's Independence Day, President Volodymyr Zelensky declared that while Russia sought to "destroy" Ukraine, the war has now "returned to its home" in Russia. He made this statement in a video address, filmed near the location where Ukraine's forces recently launched a surprise incursion into Russian territory.

As Ukraine marks its independence from the Soviet Union, the ongoing conflict with Russia has entered a critical phase. Ukrainian forces recently carried out a bold operation in Russia's Kursk region, while Moscow continues its aggressive pursuit of more territory in eastern Ukraine.

Zelensky released his Independence Day message from a remote, forested area in Ukraine's Sumy region, which he had visited earlier in the week. The area lies just a few kilometers from where Ukrainian troops crossed into Russia on August 6, shocking the world with their unexpected move.

In his address, Zelensky expressed confidence that Ukraine would continue to defy expectations, stating that Russia "will learn the meaning of retribution." He explained that Russia, by launching its invasion in 2022, aimed to destroy Ukraine, but now finds itself dealing with the consequences of its actions. As Ukraine celebrates its 33rd Independence Day, the Ukrainian leader remarked that the harm Russia inflicted has come back to haunt them.

"Anyone who seeks to bring evil to our land will experience the consequences on their own soil," Zelensky warned. He clarified that this is not about vengeance but about justice.

The Ukrainian president also took a swipe at Russian President Vladimir Putin, describing him as a "sick old man" who constantly threatens the world with his power.

While Ukraine's incursion into Kursk has unsettled Moscow, it has not yet slowed Russia's advances in eastern Ukraine.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who also spoke with Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, announced on social media that the latest aid package is valued at $125 million (€111 million).

Since 2022, the US has contributed over $50 billion (€44 billion) in military aid to Ukraine. During a recent call with President Zelensky, President Biden reaffirmed America's "unwavering" support for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia, according to a statement from the White House.

The new aid package includes air-defense missiles, counter-drone systems, anti-armor missiles, and ammunition. President Zelensky emphasized the urgent need for these weapons, particularly the additional air-defense systems, to protect cities, communities, and key infrastructure in Ukraine.

Russia seized Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 and launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022. Since then, the US has provided military assistance to Ukraine while imposing sanctions on Russia in response to the invasion.

Tensions escalated further on August 6 when Ukraine sent thousands of troops across the border into Russia’s western Kursk region. While Ukraine has claimed several battlefield victories, Russian forces continue to advance in eastern Ukraine.

In a separate move, the US imposed sanctions on more than 400 entities and individuals supporting Russia’s war efforts, including Chinese companies believed to be helping Russia evade Western sanctions and strengthen its military.