🔗 Share this article

Through a major move to bolster its future security, the Ukrainian government has signed a preliminary agreement to purchase as many as 100 Rafale fighter warplanes, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and other essential gear from France. This deal was formalized by Ukrainian president Zelenskyy and France's leader Emmanuel Macron during a joint press briefing at the Elysée presidential residence. Zelenskyy described the pact as “a historic agreement.”

Forcibly Taken Minors: Relatives Cut Off Contact

A number of families of Ukrainian children who were forcibly deported to the Russian Federation have sounded the alarm about their well-being, stating that every line of communication has been cut off. At a uncommon news conference in the French capital, Darina Repina, who is responsible for two minors taken after Russia's widespread invasion of Ukraine in recent years, said that officials in Russia are disregarding all requests to facilitate the minors' return.

Drone Strike Targets Turkey-Registered Tanker in Odesa

An unmanned aerial vehicle struck a Turkey-registered ship and set it ablaze in the southern part of Ukraine's Odesa area, authorities said. This event took place just a day after the Ukrainian president approved a deal to import US liquefied natural gas via the region. The MT Orinda was hit while unloading LPG at Izmail harbor, according to Turkish maritime authority. Every one of the 16 crew members on board were safely removed and not a single person was hurt.

Romania's Authorities Evacuate Communities After Aerial Incident

Romania's officials said they had evacuated two villages near the Ukraine frontier following the drone attack on the MT Orinda. After invading the country in 2022, Moscow has consistently attacked Ukraine's ports in the Danube region, causing alerts in neighbouring the country.

US President Trump Willing to Sign Russian Penalties Legislation

The American leader Donald Trump is willing to sign legislation to impose sanctions on Russia, as long as he keeps ultimate decision-making authority over these measures, an high-ranking U.S. administration official said. The U.S. president informed reporters late on Sunday that it was “acceptable to me” that Republicans were working on a bill to apply sanctions on countries doing business with Moscow over its failure to reach a peace deal with the Ukrainian government.

Polish Prime Minister Describes Rail Explosion an “Unprecedented Case of Disruption”

Poland's prime minister, Donald Tusk, has labeled an explosion along a part of railway line used for deliveries to Ukraine as an “unprecedented instance of disruption” that could have resulted in catastrophe. This statement coincided with a statement from legal authorities indicating that an investigation had been initiated “concerning acts of sabotage of a terror-related nature […] committed on behalf of a foreign spy agency against the nation of the country.”

China Leader Expresses Readiness to Deepen Partnership with Russia

China is ready to strengthen cooperation with Russia in energy, farming and other financial ventures, Leader Li Qiang stated during a meeting with Russian prime minister Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier told Mishustin that China welcomes more agricultural and food products from Russia, according to a state-run news agency. The Chinese side also desires that Moscow will make it easier for Chinese enterprises to invest and operate there, the source cited. The Russian leader assured his counterpart that the partnership between the two sides has repeatedly demonstrated its strength to outside pressures.