🔗 Share this article

Through a major move to bolster its long-term security, Ukraine has finalized a preliminary agreement to acquire as many as 100 Rafale jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and additional essential equipment from the French Republic. The agreement was signed by Ukrainian president Zelenskyy and France's leader Macron during a joint news conference at the Elysée palace. Zelenskyy described the arrangement as “a historic agreement.”

Against Their Will Deported Children: Families Cut Off Contact

Several relatives of Ukraine's children who were forcibly deported to Russia have sounded the alarm about their fate, reporting that every line of communication has been cut off. At a rare press event in the French capital, a legal guardian, who cares for two children removed after Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in recent years, stated that Russian authorities are disregarding every appeal to help with the children's repatriation.

Drone Attack Targets Turkey-Registered Vessel in Odesa

A drone struck a Turkey-registered ship and set it ablaze in the southern part of the Odesa area, authorities reported. This event occurred just a day after Zelenskyy approved a deal to bring in US liquefied natural gas via the area. The MT Orinda was hit while offloading LPG at Izmail port, as stated by Turkey's Directorate for Maritime Affairs. All 16 crew on board evacuated and no one was hurt.

Romania's Officials Evacuate Communities After Aerial Incident

Romania's officials said they had evacuated two communities close to the Ukraine frontier following the drone attack on the MT Orinda. Since entering the country in 2022, Moscow has consistently targeted Ukrainian ports in the Danube area, triggering alerts in neighbouring Romania.

United States President Donald Trump Open to Approve Russian Penalties Legislation

The American leader Donald Trump is willing to approve a bill to enact sanctions on the Russian Federation, as long as he retains ultimate decision-making authority over these actions, an high-ranking White House official stated. Trump told reporters late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that Republicans were working on legislation to impose restrictions on countries engaging commercially with Russia over its inability to negotiate a peace deal with Ukraine.

Polish Leader Describes Railway Explosion an “Unprecedented Case of Disruption”

Poland's prime minister, Donald Tusk, has labeled an blast along a part of railway line used for deliveries to the country as an “unprecedented instance of disruption” that might have led to disaster. This statement coincided with a statement from legal authorities indicating that an investigation had been initiated “regarding actions of sabotage of a terror-related kind […] committed on orders of a external intelligence service against the nation of Poland.”

Chinese Premier Shows Readiness to Expand Partnership with Russian Federation

China is prepared to strengthen cooperation with Russia in the energy sector, farming and other financial ventures, Leader Li Qiang said during a meeting with Russian prime minister Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier informed Mishustin that China welcomes more farm and food goods from Russia, according to the official news agency. China also desires that Moscow will make it easier for companies from China to put money and operate in Russia, the source mentioned. The Russian leader told his counterpart that the partnership between the both nations has consistently proven its resilience to external pressures.