Dispatches from Ukraine. Day 547.

Ukraine gained independence from the Soviet Union 32 years ago today. This is the second Independence Day since Russia's full-scale invasion; it is being celebrated amidst air raids in the capital Kyiv and cities and towns throughout Ukraine, as well as on the battlefield.

Front line. In the first hours of Aug. 24, Ukrainian forces executed a covert land operation along the shore of the Russian-occupied Crimean Peninsula. Ukraine’s intelligence command reported that their forces made an amphibious landing near the settlements of Olenivka and Mayak on the northeastern coast of illegally annexed Crimea at approximately 5 am. “During the operation, Ukrainian defenders engaged in a firefight with the occupying units,” the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine said in a social media post. “Consequently, the enemy faced personnel losses and experienced great destruction of their equipment.” The Ukrainian side, meanwhile, did not suffer any losses, claimed the report. A day earlier, Russia’s S-400 “Triumph” anti-aircraft missile system was neutralized in Crimea. Today, Aug. 24, Ukraine’s intelligence command publicly took the responsibility for that attack.

World. Ukraine proudly celebrated its 32nd Independence Day, world leaders and private enterprises stood in solidarity and reaffirmed their support by announcing individual aid packages. In a genuine gesture, Turkish defense manufacturer Baykar Makina provided Kyiv one of their notorious Bayraktar TB2 reconnaissance and attack drones free of charge.

Meanwhile, the government of Norway said it is preparing to deliver infrared homing IRIS-T missiles and mine clearing equipment, as well as equipment for repairs of Ukraine’s power grid. On a visit to Kyiv to personally greet the Ukrainian people on their Independence Day, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda announced his government’s pledge of a 41 million euro ($44 million) military package that includes, most importantly, Carl Gustaf anti-tank ammunition, rifles, maritime surveillance radar kits, 5.56 mm rifle cartridges, generators, anti-drone weapons, and other support.

“Ukrainian brothers and sisters, I sincerely congratulate you on your Independence Day!” Nausėda declared as he stood in Kyiv’s Sofia Square. “Lithuania will continue to provide you with comprehensive assistance. Together we will rebuild Ukraine and strive to make your country part of the Euro-Atlantic community.”

Local news. Odesa region. Southern Ukraine suffered yet another attack on its grain infrastructure, announced regional governor Oleg Kiper. In the early hours of Aug. 23, Russian UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) targeted grain production and transport complexes in the Odesa region. Nine of the Shahed drones that were launched were intercepted by Ukrainian air defenses, according to Kiper. But several others hit their targets, setting a substantial fire. “As of 6 am, the fire was contained,” the official said in a Telegram social media post. “Some granaries are damaged.”

Sumy region. Russian forces attacked the northern region of Sumy with Shahed drones on Aug. 24, killing at least four civilians, several Ukrainian sources reported. A school in the city of Romny was brutally destroyed when an aerial vehicle hit it. So far, the Ministry of Internal Affairs said, rescue workers have recovered the bodies of four victims, all school employees, at least two of them teachers. Three others were injured.

On The Culture Front. Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense launched its #UkraineSaysThankYou social media campaign on the occasion of the country’s Independence Day. The initiative showcases Ukraine’s appreciation for the unwavering partner nations standing by its side. “The people of Ukraine will always be grateful for this outpouring of support,” the Ministry’s statement reads. Throughout the day on Aug. 24, the Ministry posted brief but stirring videos containing carefully crafted messages for the citizens of numerous countries who have proven to be Ukraine’s long-standing international allies. For the U.S. tribute, Frank Sinatra’s timeless jazz standard “Love Is Here to Stay” accompanies black and white footage of the countries’ leaders together and captions thanking the United States for the tanks and air defense systems it has sent.

President Zelenskyy presented the annual “National Legend of Ukraine” awards on Aug. 23 to individuals whose actions have contributed to the country’s strength and prosperity. Honorees included:

Dmytro “Da Vinci” Kotsiubailo – commander of the “Da Vinci Wolves" unit; youngest battalion chief in the history of Ukraine’s army, killed in combat on March 3, 2023.

Andrii Sirko – neurosurgeon who has personally performed more than 700 highly complex operations, thus saving the lives of countless Ukrainian defenders.

Iryna Huk – head of the Leleka Foundation who has been engaged in tactical medicine since at least 2014.

Fuminori Tsuchiko – a Japanese volunteer, who, at his own expense, opened a café in Kharkiv and now organizes free meals daily for those in need.

Andrii Tsaplienko – war correspondent and screenwriter who has been actively filming exclusive materials covering war in Ukraine since 2014.

By Daria Dzysiuk, Karina L. Tahiliani