Marco Rubio congratulates Ukraine on Independence Day and reaffirms U.S. support

On Monday, August 24, 2026, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham arrived in Kyiv, Ukraine, to express solidarity with Ukraine in its ongoing struggle against Russia. Burnham, along with Council of Europe President Antonio Costa, praised Ukraine as Europe's protector and assured President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that the UK stands firmly with Ukraine in this fight. During their meeting, they announced that the UK would grant Kyiv access to long-range cruise-missile technology, despite Russia's threats against the UK.

Ukraine has been under intense pressure as it faces a more than four-year military conflict with Russia. Over the past weeks, Ukrainian forces have been launching increasingly precise missile and drone strikes on Russian military and commercial infrastructure, including logistics warehouses and oil storage facilities. These attacks have taken a toll on Russian territory, prompting Russian President Vladimir Putin to authorize the state to take control of critical infrastructure if it is not adequately protected or repaired promptly.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy delivered a defiant address on the nation's 35th Independence Day anniversary, questioning whether his government's position is risking internal divisions amid the ongoing war and war fatigue. Political scientists like Mikhail Alexseev, a professor at San Diego State University, have raised concerns about the stability of Zelenskyy's government amid the prolonged conflict.

Russian President Putin signed a presidential decree, allowing the Russian state to take control of critical infrastructure facilities if they are deemed inadequately protected against Ukrainian attacks. Ukraine has increased its drone attacks on Russian oil refineries and warehouses, targeting the country's largest online marketplaces, Ozon and Wildberries, alleging that these businesses aid Russia's military efforts.

In a prisoner exchange, ten Ukrainian prisoners of war were released in Belarus, previously listed as missing in action.

Meanwhile, the European Council President Antonio Costa pledged the EU's unwavering support for Ukraine, not only in the war but also in future peace negotiations and reconstruction. He emphasized that Ukraine's future membership in the EU would serve as its strongest guarantee for long-term security and democratic stability.