EU presents 21st sanctions package as diplomatic and military actions continue

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has presented a 21st package of sanctions against Russia, stating that "Our sanctions are working." Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas reinforced this sentiment, noting that the measures are progressively undermining Russia's war economy. Simultaneously, Nordic and Baltic countries have voiced their support for Ukraine's accession to both NATO and the EU.

On the military front, Russian shelling in the Kharkiv oblast has resulted in four fatalities and several injuries. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned a Russian drone strike near the Chernobyl power plant, describing the targeting of a spent nuclear fuel depot as "absolutely cowardly." Diplomatically, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom have backed President Zelensky's proposal for direct dialogue between Kyiv and Moscow, suggesting the current line of contact as a starting point for negotiations.

Sources: Le Monde