A Ukraine Independence Day Boost: Billions From Europe and Access to SCALP Missiles

The Russian military said at midday that Ukrainian drones attacked three logistics centers belonging to the online retail company Ozon across Russia in the early morning hours. According to reports, fires broke out and several people were injured.

In addition, 12 people were injured in a drone attack in Krasnodar. Ukrainians also struck natural gas infrastructure in the Kursk region.

On the other side, at least one person was injured in a Russian drone attack in Kharkiv. Five people were injured in Russian attacks in Odesa, while two people were killed and six others were injured in Russian attacks in the Donetsk region.

Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he will make an official visit to Ukraine, his first official trip in the role. Burnham will visit Kyiv to mark 35 years of Ukrainian independence. Downing Street said he is expected to announce "the government's agreement to allow defense company MBDA (a European missile manufacturer) to share classified information about British components of the long-range SCALP missile."

SCALP EG missiles are advanced cruise missiles made by Britain and France. They have a range of roughly 250 to 500 kilometers and are designed to strike hardened enemy targets such as tunnels and bunkers.

At the same time, Reuters reported that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the European Union had approved the transfer of €6.1 billion to Ukraine for the purchase of defense systems, radar equipment, and ammunition.

On the day Ukraine marks its Independence Day, von der Leyen stressed that Europe will continue to stand by its side: "We will provide it with what it needs, when it needs it."