Ukraine war: Zaporizhzhia power loss, strikes on Russia, and new sanctions announced

The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant recently lost all external power, prompting the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to warn of "permanent dangers to nuclear safety." Concurrently, Ukrainian forces continued strikes on Russian oil and military sites, including refineries in Tatarstan, Bryansk, and Samara. President Volodymyr Zelensky supported these actions, stating, "We continue to apply Ukrainian sanctions." In response, Russian regional authorities are reportedly working to alleviate public concerns over fuel shortages, which they attribute to the Ukrainian attacks, amid fears of social unrest ahead of September elections. Separately, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen introduced the 21st package of sanctions against Russia, asserting, "Our sanctions are working." French President Emmanuel Macron also confirmed President Zelensky's anticipated attendance at the G7 summit. The Ukrainian air force has expressed concern about a possible launch of Russia's Orechnik ballistic missile.

Sources: Le Monde