🔗 Share this article

Through a major step to strengthen its future defense, the Ukrainian government has signed a preliminary agreement to purchase as many as 100 Rafale fighter jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and other key gear from France. This deal was formalized by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French president Macron during a joint news conference at the Elysée residence. Zelenskyy referred to the pact as “a historic agreement.”

Forcibly Taken Minors: Families Lose Contact

A number of families of Ukraine's minors who were forcibly deported to Russia have sounded the alarm about their fate, reporting that all contact has been cut off. At a rare press event in Paris, a legal guardian, who cares for two children removed after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, said that Russian authorities are disregarding all requests to facilitate the minors' return.

Drone Strike Targets Turkish-Flagged Tanker in Southern Ukraine

A drone hit a Turkish-flagged ship and caused a fire in southern the Odesa area, authorities said. This event took place just a day after the Ukrainian president approved a deal to import US liquefied natural gas through the region. The vessel was struck while unloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail port, according to Turkey's Directorate for Maritime Affairs. All 16 crew on board evacuated and no one was injured.

Romanian Officials Relocate Villages After Drone Attack

Romania's authorities said they had evacuated two villages close to the Ukraine border after the drone attack on the tanker. Since entering Ukraine in 2022, Moscow has consistently attacked Ukrainian harbors in the Danube River area, triggering warnings in adjacent the country.

US President Donald Trump Willing to Sign Russian Sanctions Bill

The American leader Donald Trump is prepared to approve a bill to enact penalties on Russia, as long as he retains final authority authority over any such actions, a senior White House representative said. The U.S. president told journalists recently that it was “acceptable to me” that GOP members were working on legislation to apply sanctions on countries engaging commercially with Moscow over its failure to negotiate a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine.

Polish Prime Minister Calls Rail Explosion an “Unprecedented Case of Sabotage”

The Polish prime minister, Tusk, has labeled an explosion along a part of railway line employed in deliveries to the country as an “unprecedented act of disruption” that might have led to catastrophe. These remarks came as a statement from legal authorities indicating that an inquiry had opened “regarding actions of disruption of a terror-related kind […] committed on orders of a foreign spy agency against the Republic of Poland.”

Chinese Leader Expresses Readiness to Expand Partnership with Russia

China is prepared to deepen cooperation with the Russian Federation in energy, agriculture and additional investments, Leader Li stated during a discussion with Russian prime minister Mishustin in the Russian capital. The Chinese premier informed Mishustin that China is open to more farm and food goods from Russia, as per a state-run media outlet. The Chinese side also hopes that Moscow will make it easier for companies from China to invest and do business in Russia, the report cited. Mishustin assured Li that the cooperation between the both nations has consistently proven its strength to outside challenges.