🔗 Share this article

Through a major step to strengthen its long-term defense, Ukraine has finalized a letter of intent to acquire up to 100 Rafale jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and additional key gear from France. The agreement was signed by Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy and France's leader Macron during a shared press briefing at the Elysée residence. Zelenskyy referred to the pact as “a historic deal.”

Forcibly Taken Minors: Relatives Cut Off Communication

A number of relatives of Ukraine's children who were forcibly deported to Russia have raised concerns about their fate, reporting that all contact has been cut off. During a rare press event in the French capital, Darina Repina, who cares for two children taken after Moscow's full-scale military action of the country in 2022, stated that officials in Russia are ignoring all requests to facilitate the minors' return.

Drone Strike Targets Turkey-Registered Vessel in Southern Ukraine

An unmanned aerial vehicle hit a Turkish-flagged tanker and caused a fire in the southern part of the Odesa area, authorities said. The incident occurred just a day after the Ukrainian president signed a agreement to import American liquefied natural gas via the area. The vessel was struck while offloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail port, as stated by Turkish maritime authority. All 16 crew on board evacuated and no one was injured.

Romanian Officials Evacuate Communities After Aerial Attack

Romanian authorities announced they had evacuated two villages near the Ukraine border after the aerial strike on the tanker. After invading Ukraine in recent years, Moscow has consistently attacked Ukrainian harbors in the Danube area, causing warnings in adjacent the country.

United States Leader Donald Trump Willing to Sign Russia Penalties Legislation

The American leader Trump is willing to sign legislation to enact sanctions on the Russian Federation, provided that he retains final decision-making power over any such measures, an high-ranking White House representative said. Trump informed journalists late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that GOP members were working on legislation to impose sanctions on nations doing business with Moscow over its inability to negotiate a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine.

Polish Prime Minister Calls Rail Explosion an “Never-Before-Seen Case of Disruption”

Poland's prime minister, Tusk, has described an explosion along a part of railway line employed in deliveries to Ukraine as an “unprecedented act of sabotage” that might have resulted in catastrophe. This statement came as a statement from public prosecutors saying that an investigation had been initiated “regarding actions of disruption of a terror-related nature […] committed on behalf of a foreign spy service against the nation of Poland.”

Chinese Premier Expresses Willingness to Expand Cooperation with Russia

China is prepared to deepen collaboration with the Russian Federation in the energy sector, agriculture and other financial ventures, Premier Li Qiang stated during a discussion with Russian prime minister Mikhail Mishustin in the Russian capital. The Chinese premier told his counterpart that the country is open to more agricultural and food products from the nation, according to the official media outlet. China also hopes that Moscow will make it easier for Chinese enterprises to put money and operate in Russia, the source mentioned. The Russian leader assured his counterpart that the cooperation between the two sides has repeatedly demonstrated its strength to outside challenges.