🔗 Share this article

Through a major step to bolster its long-term defense, Ukraine has finalized a letter of intent to purchase up to 100 Rafale warplanes, drones, air defence systems and additional essential equipment from the French Republic. This deal was signed by Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy and France's leader Emmanuel Macron during a joint news conference at the Elysée residence. Zelenskyy referred to the arrangement as “a historic deal.”

Against Their Will Taken Minors: Relatives Cut Off Communication

Several families of Ukraine's minors who were forcibly deported to the Russian Federation have raised concerns about their well-being, stating that every line of communication has been cut off. During a rare press event in Paris, a legal guardian, who is responsible for two children taken after Moscow's widespread invasion of the country in 2022, said that Russian authorities are disregarding every appeal to facilitate the minors' repatriation.

Drone Strike Targets Turkey-Registered Vessel in Southern Ukraine

An unmanned aerial vehicle hit a Turkish-flagged tanker and caused a fire in the southern part of the Odesa area, officials reported. This event occurred just a day after Zelenskyy approved a agreement to import American LNG via the area. The vessel was hit while unloading LPG at Izmail harbor, as stated by Turkish maritime authority. All 16 crew members on board were safely removed and not a single person was hurt.

Romanian Authorities Evacuate Communities Following Aerial Incident

Romanian officials announced they had evacuated two communities close to the Ukrainian border following the drone attack on the tanker. After entering Ukraine in recent years, Russian forces has repeatedly attacked Ukraine's ports in the Danube River region, triggering alerts in neighbouring Romania.

United States President Donald Trump Open to Approve Russia Sanctions Legislation

The American leader Trump is prepared to sign a bill to enact sanctions on the Russian Federation, provided that he retains ultimate decision-making power over any such actions, an high-ranking U.S. administration official said. Trump told journalists late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that Republicans were working on a bill to apply restrictions on countries engaging commercially with Moscow over its failure to reach a peace deal with Ukraine.

Polish Leader Calls Rail Blast an “Never-Before-Seen Act of Disruption”

The Polish leader, Donald Tusk, has labeled an explosion along a section of railway line employed in shipments to Ukraine as an “unprecedented act of sabotage” that might have resulted in disaster. This statement came as a announcement from public prosecutors saying that an investigation had been initiated “concerning actions of sabotage of a terrorist kind […] committed on behalf of a external intelligence service against the nation of Poland.”

Chinese Premier Expresses Readiness to Expand Cooperation with Russia

The Chinese government is ready to deepen collaboration with the Russian Federation in energy, farming and other financial ventures, Premier Li said during a discussion with Russia's leader Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier told his counterpart that the country welcomes more agricultural and food products from Russia, according to a state-run news agency. China also desires that Moscow will make it easier for companies from China to invest and operate in Russia, the source mentioned. Mishustin assured Li that the partnership between the both nations has consistently proven its resilience to outside challenges.