On Ukraine’s 34th Independence Day, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a resolute message, vowing that his country "will not lose" its fight against Moscow amid ongoing battlefield shifts and renewed international diplomacy.

The Pope’s message came two days after he called for a worldwide day of fasting and prayer for peace, coinciding with the feast of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Russia said power and energy facilities had been targeted by Ukraine, which accused Russia of "spreading manipulations".