Ukraine strikes Russian refineries as EU announces new sanctions and accession talks

Ukrainian forces continued to target Russian oil infrastructure, striking refineries in Tatarstan, Bryansk, and Samara. President Volodymyr Zelensky endorsed these actions, stating, "We continue to apply Ukrainian sanctions." Concurrently, the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant experienced a complete loss of external power, prompting the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to warn of "permanent dangers to nuclear safety." European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the 21st package of sanctions against Russia, asserting, "Our sanctions are working." The European Union is set to resume accession negotiations with Kyiv on Monday. Separately, an anonymous European official reported that China has trained hundreds of Russian soldiers.

Sources: Le Monde