EU unveils 21st sanctions package as Ukraine reports Chernobyl drone strike and Kharkiv casualties
The EU has introduced a 21st package of sanctions against Russia. This comes as Ukraine reports a drone strike near the Chernobyl power plant and rising casualties in Kharkiv, while Western allies back direct talks.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has presented a 21st package of sanctions against Russia, stating that "Our sanctions are working." This announcement follows a Russian drone strike near the Chernobyl power plant, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned as an "absolutely cowardly" attack, raising nuclear safety concerns. Concurrently, Russian shelling in the Kharkiv oblast initially caused three fatalities and several injuries on Monday, with an overnight aerial attack later increasing the death toll to four. Diplomatically, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom have expressed support for 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
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Earlier coverage
- Jun 9, 2026, 05:00 PM UTCEU presents new sanctions package as allies back Ukraine dialogue and accession
- Jun 9, 2026, 04:30 PM UTCEU presents 21st sanctions package as diplomatic and military actions continue
- Jun 9, 2026, 08:30 AM UTCUkraine reports Chernobyl strike, updated Kharkiv casualties, and Western support for dialogue
- Jun 9, 2026, 12:00 AM UTCUkraine reports new strikes, international support for dialogue emerges
- Jun 7, 2026, 11:30 AM UTCUkraine reports Russian drone strike near Chernobyl nuclear facility