Ukraine marks grim war anniversary

By Nathan Morley

Ukraine marks 35 years of independence on August 24, as its war with Russia enters a fourth year.

European leaders are gathering in Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, where the so-called ‘Coalition of the Willing’ will meet President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss additional support as Moscow ramps up its bombing campaign.

Meanwhile, both countries continue to trade strikes.

Ukrainian officials say five people were killed in the Kharkiv region. Russia says three teenagers died when a children’s centre was hit by what it called “drone debris.”

Earlier, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham vowed to maintain pressure on Moscow during his first official visit to Ukraine, despite Russian threats.

In the Middle East, the U.S. treasury secretary warned Iran of what he called “the single greatest financial offensive ever,” saying the U.S.–Israel war with Iran was “entering its endgame.”

Scott Bessent said Washington would cut all economic ties with Tehran in an “economic D‑Day,” and that any country doing business with Iran would also face isolation.

Iran dismissed the remarks and said it would halt all regional oil exports “if the war continues,” according to the Reuters news agency.