🔗 Share this article

In a significant step to strengthen its long-term defense, the Ukrainian government has signed a letter of intent to acquire as many as 100 Rafale fighter jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and additional key equipment from the French Republic. This deal was formalized by Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French president Macron during a joint news conference at the Elysée palace. Zelenskyy referred to the arrangement as “a historic agreement.”

Against Their Will Taken Minors: Relatives Lose Contact

A number of relatives of Ukrainian children who were forcibly deported to Russia have raised concerns about their fate, reporting that all contact has been cut off. During a rare news conference in the French capital, Darina Repina, who cares for two children taken after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, stated that officials in Russia are disregarding every appeal to help with the children's repatriation.

Unmanned Aerial Attack Hits Turkey-Registered Tanker in Odesa

A drone hit a Turkey-registered tanker and set it ablaze in the southern part of Ukraine's Odesa region, officials reported. This event occurred just one day after the Ukrainian president approved a agreement to bring in US liquefied natural gas through the area. The vessel was struck while offloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail port, according to Turkish maritime authority. All 16 crew members on board evacuated and no one was injured.

Romania's Authorities Evacuate Villages Following Drone Attack

Romanian officials announced they had relocated two communities close to the Ukrainian border after the aerial strike on the MT Orinda. After entering the country in recent years, Moscow has consistently attacked Ukraine's ports in the Danube River area, causing warnings in neighbouring Romania.

US Leader Donald Trump Open to Sign Russia Penalties Bill

The American leader Donald Trump is willing to sign a bill to enact sanctions on the Russian Federation, provided that he keeps final decision-making authority over any such actions, a senior U.S. administration official stated. Trump told reporters late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that Republicans were drafting a bill to impose restrictions on countries engaging commercially with Russia over its inability to negotiate a peace deal with the Ukrainian government.

Polish Leader Calls Railway Blast an “Never-Before-Seen Case of Sabotage”

The Polish leader, Donald Tusk, has labeled an explosion along a part of rail track used for deliveries to Ukraine as an “unprecedented instance of disruption” that could have resulted in disaster. These remarks came as a statement from public prosecutors saying that an inquiry had opened “regarding actions of sabotage of a terrorist nature […] carried out on orders of a external intelligence agency against the nation of the country.”

China Leader Expresses Readiness to Deepen Cooperation with Russia

China is prepared to strengthen collaboration with the Russian Federation in energy, agriculture and additional financial ventures, Premier Li Qiang said during a discussion with Russian prime minister Mishustin in the Russian capital. The Chinese premier informed Mishustin that China welcomes more agricultural and food products from Russia, according to a state-run news agency. The Chinese side also hopes that Moscow will make it easier for companies from China to invest and operate in Russia, the source cited. Mishustin told his counterpart that the partnership between the both nations has repeatedly demonstrated its resilience to external challenges.