Ukraine's drone wing announced that it has killed at least 12 officers and injured 15 others in a strike on a command post belonging to the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB). The attack occurred on Wednesday in occupied Donetsk, as confirmed by Unmanned Systems Forces commander Robert "Madyar" Brovdi. Ukrainian forces utilized FP-2 drones, manufactured by the Ukrainian defence company Fire Point, which can carry payloads of up to 100kg and are designed for medium-range strikes.
Details of the Operation
Brovdi stated that the command post targeted in the attack is responsible for overseeing sabotage operations, building intelligence networks, recruitment, carrying out terrorist attacks and arson, and coordinating Russian proxy forces. The operation involved "eight precision strikes on the target," carried out by the Unmanned Systems Forces in collaboration with fighters from the 1st Corps of the Ukrainian National Guard's Azov Brigade. As of now, Moscow has not commented on the incident.
EU Approves Major Loan and Sanctions
In a significant development, the European Union formally approved a €90bn (£78bn) loan to Ukraine and new sanctions against Russia. This decision was made ahead of an informal summit of EU leaders in Cyprus, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will attend. The loan is expected to cover two-thirds of Ukraine's financial needs for the next two years. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen stated, "While Russia doubles down on its aggression, we are doubling down on our support to the brave Ukrainian nation, enabling Ukraine to defend itself and putting pressure on Russia's war economy."
Zelensky Rejects Symbolic EU Membership
President Zelensky has firmly rejected the idea of partial EU membership for Ukraine, which had been proposed by Germany and France as part of a potential peace deal. Such a limited membership would grant some benefits but exclude voting rights or full access to shared budgets. Zelensky emphasized, "Ukraine does not need symbolic membership in the EU. Ukraine is defending itself and is definitely defending Europe. And it is not defending Europe symbolically – people are really dying." He added that Ukraine is defending shared European values and therefore deserves full membership in the 27-nation bloc.
Prince Harry's Ukraine Visit and Trump's Response
Prince Harry made a surprise visit to Ukraine, where he delivered an impassioned speech at the Kyiv Security Forum. He called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war and urged American leadership to honour its international treaty obligations. Harry stated, "President Putin, no nation benefits from the continued loss of life we are witnessing. There is still a moment – now – to stop this war." He also addressed the United States, saying, "This is a moment for American leadership, a moment for America to show that it can honour its international treaty obligations."
In response, US President Donald Trump dismissed Harry's comments, telling reporters, "I know one thing, Prince Harry is not speaking for the UK, that's for sure. I think I am speaking for the UK more than Prince Harry." He added, "But I appreciate his advice very much." Trump also inquired about Harry's wife, saying, "How's he doing? How's his wife? Please give her my regards."
Russian Reaction to EU Sanctions
Russian diplomats have denounced the latest EU sanctions as "economic blackmail," arguing that the measures lack UN legitimacy and infringe on the rights of third countries. A statement from Russia's mission to the EU, quoted by state news agency TASS, asserted that only sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council are legitimate, calling all others "unilateral coercive measures" and "arbitrariness and aggression." The EU adopted its 20th package of sanctions against Russia after Slovakia and Hungary dropped their opposition, following the resumption of flows through the Druzhba oil pipeline.
Remembering Chernobyl
As the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster approaches, AP photographer Efrem Lukatsky, who was living in Kyiv at the time, shared his recollections of the tragedy. He described the initial silence and whispers at work, as there was no official announcement about the accident. Lukatsky has visited the plant and the exclusion zone dozens of times, documenting the painful legacy of the disaster that continues to haunt Ukraine.
