𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

The 17th package of European Commission sanctions against Russia is expected to contain tighter controls on exports as well as sales of technology that can be used by the military, as well as restrictions on Russia’s shadow fleet, EU diplomats said.

The draft package, due to be published on Tuesday, is not expected to contain any major new restrictions, but one source told Reuters that the package shows Russia that the 27-member bloc can “still agree on something against Russia” after repeated veto threats from Hungary.

France’s foreign minister told news agency AFP last week the EU would try to coordinate the timing of its next package with the United States, which has recently finalised new economic sanctions against Russia.

A Russian attack on the north-eastern Kharkiv region of Ukraine overnight sparked a huge fire, causing widespread damage in the Barabashovo market.

A Ukrainian Eurovision contestant says her home has been destroyed in a Russian attack.

Khrystyna Starykov shared images of her damaged apartment building in the city of Myrnograd on social media, according to the BBC, saying her relatives and friends were thankfully alive and well.

Starykov, 19, is currently rehearsing for Eurovision with the band Ziferblat in Switzerland, ahead of the contest which begins next week.

In an interview with Ukrainian outlet Suspilne, she said: “We will take a stand. I’m holding on for us.”

The European Commission will propose a ban on new Russian gas deals by the end of the year, a draft document seen by Reuters shows.

The Commission will also propose next month to ban imports from existing contracts by the end of 2027.

A draft of the European Commission’s roadmap for phasing out the use of Russian energy, set to be published on Tuesday, said that the Commission will in June present a legal proposal to ban remaining Russian gas and LNG imports under existing contracts by end-2027.

The draft could change before it is published.

The Kremlin says Russia still plans to hold to a ceasefire from May 8-10, but it will respond if attacked.

Vladimir Putin declared a three-day ceasefire last week, to coincide with World War II commemorations.

On Tuesday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia had so far not heard aanything from Kyiv indicating it was ready to abide by the three-day ceasefire, and said the military would respond if Ukrainian forces tried to strike Russian positions.

“President Putin’s initiative for a temporary ceasefire for the duration of the holidays remains relevant, and the relevant instructions have been issued by the supreme-commander-in-chief,” he said, according to Russian state media.

“Unfortunately … we still haven’t heard a single statement from Kiev – from the regime’s officials or the head of the regime – that would express their readiness to join the Victory Day ceasefire,” Peskov added.

Last week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the proposed 72-hour truce was not serious.

Russia has so far rejected an unconditional 30-day ceasefire agreed to by Ukraine and pushed by the US.

Volodymyr Zelensky has thanked frontline soldiers for their efforts in the war against Russia.

“Today we honor the warriors who hold the line – for Ukraine’s positions and for the Ukrainian state. Wherever a Ukrainian infantryman advances, the Ukrainian flag is raised,” he said on X.

“The courage, strength, and skill of our infantry are undeniable. Just as our gratitude to the Ukrainian infantry for defending our state is unwavering.”

He continued: “Ukraine stands as long as the infantry stands. On this Infantry Day, I thank our warriors for their strength, resilience, and daily fight. We are proud of you.”

Moscow says Ukraine launched around 105 drones at Russia overnight. At least 19 of these were downed over Moscow, with the rest targeting other Russian regions.

Moscow’s four airports were forced to close, with others across Russia also shut, after the barrage.

In Ukraine, Russian drone attacks on Sumy and Odesa killed four people, according to Ukrainian officials.

A market in Kharkiv, north-eastern Ukraine, was engulfed in flames following a Russian barrage of drones and missiles. Four people were injured, according to Kharkiv’s governor.