Trump Bristles at Prince Harry’s Passionate Plea for Ukraine

European leaders have finalized a €90 billion loan for Ukraine and a 20th sanctions package against Russia as hostilities intensify, including targeted strikes on Russian energy infrastructure and residential areas.

EU Loan and Sanctions Package

EU leaders have ended a diplomatic deadlock to approve a €90 billion loan for Ukraine. The agreement was completed alongside the implementation of a 20th sanctions package against Russia.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen indicated that the first tranche of €45 billion, originally planned for 2026, may be disbursed by the end of June. This initial payment is intended to fund domestic drone production within Ukraine.

Fire at Tuapse Oil Terminal

Russian authorities are struggling to extinguish a massive fire at a Black Sea oil terminal in the southern town of Tuapse. The facility was struck by Ukraine on Monday as part of a strategy to target oil exports that fund the Russian war effort.

Four storage tanks remain ablaze four days after the attack, sending plumes of thick black smoke into the sky. Local authorities have urged residents to stay home to avoid the smoke, noting that contaminated rainfall on Wednesday left a black coating on surfaces.

Casualties in Residential Strikes

Russian attacks on residential areas in Ukraine’s central Dnipropetrovsk region killed three people and wounded at least 10 others. Among the injured are two girls, aged nine and 14.

Simultaneously, officials reported fatalities within Russia. One person was killed in a drone strike in the Samara region, and another individual was killed during an attack in the border region of Belgorod.