Ukraine celebrates 35th Independence Day amid intensified Russian attacks, experts say Putin feels pressure

Ukraine observed its 35th Independence Day on Monday while Russian missile and drone attacks on civilian infrastructure continued. The holiday coincided with a warning from Ukraine's security service about possible terrorist threats and a recent drone strike on a shopping centre in Kryvyi Rih that killed at least 16 people.

European leaders, including the European Council president and officials from Finland, Lithuania, Norway, Denmark, Estonia and Latvia, travelled to Kyiv for the celebrations, underscoring ongoing diplomatic support for Kyiv.

Former U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Carrie Filipetti, now executive director of the Vandenberg Coalition, said Ukrainian forces have recently been able to strike deeper into Russian territory, including areas near Moscow and St. Petersburg. > "Their success on the military front has now resulted in the Russians getting panicked and starting to attack more inside Ukraine and what they're really trying to do is weaken their will and capabilities," she told Fox News Digital.

Filipetti added that Russian attacks appear increasingly focused on civilian sites, citing the recent mall strike as an effort to erode Ukrainian morale rather than target military assets. She warned that large public gatherings for the holiday raise security risks and urged citizens to avoid sharing images that could reveal military positions.

Both sides reported casualties from recent exchanges of drones and missiles. Ukrainian officials said at least seven people died in Russian attacks, while a Ukrainian drone strike in Russia's Krasnodar region killed three, according to Russian sources.

Filipetti concluded that the continued Ukrainian resistance sends a message to Moscow and other potential aggressors that invasions will entail significant consequences.