Ukraine Strikes Russian Energy, Denies Nuclear Plant Attack

Ukraine launched new drone strikes on Russian energy sites, including the Saratov oil refinery, a fuel depot in the Rostov region, and the Lazarevo pumping station in the Kirov region, causing fires and damage. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed these 'long-range sanctions' against Russia's energy sector, which Kyiv argues funds Moscow's war effort. Simultaneously, Ukraine denied Russia's claims that a Ukrainian drone struck the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe's largest. Russia's state nuclear energy company, Rosatom, accused Ukraine of a 'deliberate' attack, stating a drone exploded after tearing a hole in a turbine hall. The International — International Atomic Energy Agency expressed 'serious concern' and observed damage consistent with a drone impact, requesting further access. Both sides have blamed each other for targeting the plant since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. Separately, Russia launched its own drone attacks on Ukraine, hitting Dnipro and an oil refinery in the Rivne region, causing fires and casualties. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also alleged that Russia is abducting Ukrainian children and training them to fight, leading to sanctions from the European Union and an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin.