Strikes kill 16 in Ukraine and Russia on Chernobyl anniversary

Key Points:

• Recent strikes across Ukraine, Russian-occupied territories, and Russia have killed at least 16 people amid ongoing conflict, with significant attacks on Dnipro, Sevastopol, Luhansk, Belgorod, and an oil refinery in Yaroslavl.
• On the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy warned that Russian drone attacks near the nuclear plant risk causing a similar catastrophe, urging the international community to stop what he calls "nuclear terrorism."
• The International Atomic Energy Agency highlighted urgent repairs needed on Chernobyl’s damaged protective shell to prevent further safety risks, with repair costs estimated at over 500 million euros and partial funding already committed by international partners.
• Ukraine has intensified the use of long-range drones targeting Russian oil facilities deep inside Russian territory, aiming to disrupt Moscow’s military fuel supplies amid ongoing sanctions and military pressure.
• Russia’s Defense Minister visited North Korea to strengthen military cooperation, awarding honors to North Korean troops who supported Russia in the Ukraine conflict, reflecting deepening ties between the two countries.