🔗 Share this article

In a significant step to bolster its future defense, the Ukrainian government has signed a preliminary agreement to purchase up to 100 Rafale fighter warplanes, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and additional key gear from France. This deal was formalized by Ukraine's leader Zelenskyy and French president Macron during a joint press briefing at the Elysée presidential residence. The Ukrainian leader referred to the arrangement as “a historic deal.”

Against Their Will Taken Minors: Families Cut Off Contact

A number of families of Ukrainian minors who were taken against their will to Russia have sounded the alarm about their fate, reporting that all contact has been cut off. During a rare press event in Paris, Darina Repina, who is responsible for two children removed after Moscow's full-scale military action of Ukraine in 2022, said that officials in Russia are disregarding all requests to help with the minors' return.

Unmanned Aerial Strike Hits Turkish-Flagged Vessel in Odesa

A drone hit a Turkish-flagged ship and set it ablaze in southern Ukraine's Odesa region, authorities said. This event occurred just a day after Zelenskyy approved a deal to import American liquefied natural gas through the area. The MT Orinda was struck while unloading LPG at Izmail port, according to Turkey's Directorate for Maritime Affairs. All 16 crew on board were safely removed and no one was injured.

Romania's Authorities Evacuate Villages After Aerial Attack

Romania's authorities announced they had relocated two communities close to the Ukrainian border after the drone attack on the MT Orinda. Since invading Ukraine in recent years, Moscow has consistently targeted Ukraine's harbors in the Danube region, triggering warnings in neighbouring the country.

US Leader Donald Trump Open to Sign Russian Penalties Legislation

The American leader Donald Trump is willing to approve legislation to impose penalties on Russia, as long as he retains ultimate decision-making power over these measures, an high-ranking U.S. administration official stated. The U.S. president told reporters late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that Republicans were drafting legislation to impose restrictions on countries doing business with Moscow over its failure to reach a ceasefire agreement with the Ukrainian government.

Poland's Leader Describes Rail Blast an “Never-Before-Seen Act of Disruption”

The Polish prime minister, Donald Tusk, has described an blast along a part of rail track used for shipments to Ukraine as an “unprecedented instance of disruption” that might have led to catastrophe. This statement coincided with a statement from public prosecutors indicating that an inquiry had opened “concerning actions of disruption of a terrorist nature […] committed on behalf of a external intelligence service against the nation of the country.”

China Premier Shows Readiness to Expand Cooperation with Russia

China is prepared to strengthen cooperation with Russia in the energy sector, farming and other investments, Leader Li stated during a discussion with Russian prime minister Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier informed Mishustin that the country is open to more agricultural and food goods from the nation, as per a state-run media outlet. The Chinese side also hopes that Russia will facilitate for Chinese enterprises to put money and operate in Russia, the source cited. The Russian leader told Li that the partnership between the two sides has repeatedly proven its strength to external pressures.