• In advance of Ukraine's Independence Day, Zelensky issues a warning about a "vicious" onslaught by Russia

    International
    In advance of Ukraine's Independence Day, Zelensky issues a warning about a "vicious" onslaught by Russia




     Digital Desk: Volodymyr
    Zelensky, the president of the war-torn country of Ukraine, issued a warning to
    its people on Saturday ahead of Independence Day, urging them to exercise
    caution in the coming week in light of recent explosions in Crimea and a
    missile attack that injured 12 civilians close to a nuclear power plant. On
    August 24, Ukraine will celebrate its 31st Independence Day, despite the fact
    that it has been fighting a Russian invasion for almost six months.



     



    In his evening speech
    to the nation, Zelensky said, "We must all be aware that this week Russia
    could try to do something really terrible, something particularly
    vicious." Before the events on August 24, Ukraine must not allow Moscow to
    "promote pessimism and terror," he urged.



     



    According to a report
    by the Kyiv Post, Ukrainian NGO the Center for Strategic Communications
    (StratCom) issued a warning earlier this week that Russia was gathering
    missiles and ammunition close to its borders with Ukraine. "It is clear
    that Ukraine is at risk of being heavily shelled by S-300 missiles. It is
    obvious that the Russians are getting ready to strike Ukraine on August 24
    given the arrival of multiple trains [from Russia] before Aug. 20, according to
    StratCom, which posted the statement on its website and Telegram channel.



     



    StratCom stated
    earlier this month that Russian trains carrying heavy weapons, including
    missiles, were travelling toward the Ukrainian border and were due to arrive on
    Saturday, only days before the traditional celebrations.



     



    The "increasingly
    regular" attacks near nuclear plants, such those at the Pivdennoukrainsk
    (South Ukraine) nuclear plant and recent shelling close to the largest nuclear
    plant in Europe, Zaporizhzhia, have rekindled concerns about a nuclear
    disaster, according to Ukrainian officials.



    Zelensky added,
    "You can really feel Crimea in the air this year, that the occupation
    there is only temporary and that Ukraine is coming back," in reference to
    the string of assaults on the region, which Russia annexed in 2014.



     



    As a result of ongoing
    Russian bombardment, tensions are also high in Kharkiv, the second-largest city
    in Ukraine. A curfew was put in place there and will be prolonged for the full
    day on Wednesday, according to regional governor Oleh Synehub.



     



    "Stay at home and
    pay attention to warnings!" On the Telegram message service, Synehub had
    informed the locals.



     



    Since March, Russia and Ukraine have traded new accusations
    of shelling in the vicinity of the Russian-owned nuclear power station in
    Zaporizhzhia. Ukrainian officials have pleaded with the UN and other
    international organisations to tell the Russian troops to leave the
    Zaporizhzhia plant.



     



    It has been discussed for more than a week that the
    International Atomic Energy Agency will pay a visit to the site.