🔗 Share this article

Through a major move to strengthen its long-term defense, Ukraine has signed a preliminary agreement to purchase as many as 100 Rafale fighter jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and additional essential gear from France. The agreement was signed by Ukrainian president Zelenskyy and French president Macron during a joint news conference at the Elysée presidential palace. Zelenskyy described the pact as “a historic agreement.”

Against Their Will Deported Children: Families Cut Off Contact

A number of relatives of Ukraine's minors who were taken against their will to the Russian Federation have sounded the alarm about their well-being, reporting that every line of communication has been cut off. During a rare press event in the French capital, Darina Repina, who cares for two children taken after Russia's widespread invasion of the country in 2022, said that officials in Russia are disregarding every appeal to facilitate the minors' repatriation.

Drone Attack Hits Turkey-Registered Vessel in Odesa

A drone struck a Turkey-registered ship and set it ablaze in southern the Odesa area, officials reported. This event occurred just one day after Zelenskyy approved a deal to bring in American liquefied natural gas via the area. The MT Orinda was struck while unloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail port, according to Turkish maritime authority. All 16 crew members on board evacuated and not a single person was hurt.

Romania's Authorities Relocate Communities After Aerial Attack

Romania's authorities announced they had relocated two communities near the Ukrainian frontier following the drone attack on the tanker. Since entering the country in recent years, Russian forces has consistently targeted Ukraine's harbors in the Danube River region, triggering alerts in neighbouring Romania.

US Leader Trump Willing to Sign Russia Sanctions Legislation

US president Trump is willing to approve legislation to impose sanctions on the Russian Federation, provided that he keeps final decision-making power over any such measures, an high-ranking White House representative said. The U.S. president told reporters late on Sunday that it was “acceptable to me” that GOP members were working on legislation to impose restrictions on countries doing business with Russia over its inability to reach a peace deal with the Ukrainian government.

Poland's Prime Minister Describes Rail Blast an “Never-Before-Seen Case of Disruption”

The Polish leader, Tusk, has described an explosion along a section of rail track employed in shipments to the country as an “unprecedented instance of sabotage” that could have led to catastrophe. This statement came as a announcement from public prosecutors indicating that an investigation had opened “concerning acts of sabotage of a terror-related nature […] committed on behalf of a foreign spy agency against the nation of Poland.”

Chinese Leader Expresses Willingness to Deepen Partnership with Russia

The Chinese government is prepared to deepen cooperation with Russia in energy, agriculture and other investments, Premier Li said during a meeting with Russia's leader Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow. Li told Mishustin that China is open to more farm and food products from the nation, according to the official news agency. The Chinese side also hopes that Russia will make it easier for companies from China to invest and do business in Russia, the source mentioned. The Russian leader told his counterpart that the partnership between the two sides has repeatedly proven its strength to outside challenges.