Image source, EPA

As Ukrainians mark Independence Day, the country's President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued a fresh warning about potential Russian attacks.

In his usual late night address, he said Ukraine is celebrating "the day of our flag" while "fighting against the most dreadful threat to our statehood".

He urged people to follow safety rules in place in cities such as Kyiv and Kharkiv, including curfews and air raid sirens.

"[Today] is an important day for all of us. And that is why this day, unfortunately, is also important for our enemy," he said.

"We must be aware that [today] hideous Russian provocations and brutal strikes are possible.

"The Armed Forces of Ukraine, our intelligence, special services will do everything to protect people - as much as possible. And we will certainly respond to any manifestation of Russian terror."

Zelensky also outlined some of the activies planned, external to mark the national holiday, including awards for people "from all walks of life" who have helped with the war effort.

Hugo Bachega
Reporting from Kyiv

Image source, Reuters

Independence Day in Kyiv usually sees a massive military parade through the city centre.

But today, instead of Ukrainian tanks, destroyed or seized Russian army vehicles are on display on Khreshatik Street. And no celebrations will be held.

Amid fears Russia could use the date to strike cities across the country, public events in the capital have been banned for two days. Residents have been urged to take the air raid sirens seriously.

The day also marks six months since the start of the Russian invasion.

Tensions have been particularly high in recent days, after a string of explosions and attacks in Russian-occupied Crimea and the assassination of the Russian political commentator Daria Dugina near Moscow over the weekend.

In his nightly address, President Zelensky warned of “disgusting Russian provocations and brutal strikes” and said Ukraine would “definitely respond to any manifestation of Russian terror”.

The conflict has killed thousands of civilians – the UN puts the number at 5,500, although the true figure is much higher – while one third of the population has been forced from their homes.

On the frontlines, the war seems to be at a deadlock. And there’s no prospect of peace talks any time soon.

Image source, EPA

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has pledged a "powerful response" to any attacks by Russia that coincide with Ukraine's Independence Day.

Yesterday he said that Russia could do "something particularly ugly".

US officials warned that Russia is likely to step up its efforts to attack civilian targets in Ukraine in the coming days.

Good morning and welcome to today's coverage of the war in Ukraine as the country celebrates Independence Day.

Here are the latest developments:

• Today marks Ukraine’s 31st anniversary of liberation from Soviet rule – as well as six months since the Russian invasion
• Security across the country is tight amid fears that Moscow could launch new attacks, with President Volodymyr Zelensky warning that "hideous Russian provocations and brutal strikes are possible"
• Public gatherings are banned in the capital Kyiv and a curfew is in force in the eastern city of Kharkiv, which has weathered months of shelling
• US officials have also cautioned that Russia is likely to step up its efforts to attack civilian targets in Ukraine in the coming days
• Meanwhile, the US is expected to announce its biggest single package of military aid to Kyiv worth $3bn

Stay with us as we bring you the latest.