🔗 Share this article

Through a major step to strengthen its future security, Ukraine has signed a preliminary agreement to acquire as many as 100 Rafale jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defense equipment and additional essential gear from the French Republic. The agreement was signed by Ukrainian president Zelenskyy and France's leader Emmanuel Macron during a shared news conference at the Elysée palace. The Ukrainian leader described the arrangement as “a historic agreement.”

Against Their Will Deported Children: Relatives Cut Off Communication

A number of families of Ukrainian minors who were taken against their will to Russia have sounded the alarm about their well-being, stating that all contact has been cut off. At a uncommon news conference in the French capital, a legal guardian, who cares for two children taken after Russia's widespread invasion of Ukraine in 2022, said that Russian authorities are ignoring all requests to help with the minors' repatriation.

Drone Strike Targets Turkish-Flagged Tanker in Southern Ukraine

An unmanned aerial vehicle hit a Turkish-flagged tanker and set it ablaze in the southern part of Ukraine's Odesa area, authorities reported. This event took place just a day after the Ukrainian president approved a deal to import US liquefied natural gas through the region. The MT Orinda was hit while offloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail harbor, according to Turkish Directorate for Maritime Affairs. Every one of the 16 crew on board evacuated and not a single person was hurt.

Romanian Officials Evacuate Villages Following Aerial Attack

Romania's authorities announced they had evacuated two communities near the Ukrainian frontier after the aerial strike on the MT Orinda. Since invading the country in recent years, Russian forces has consistently targeted Ukraine's ports in the Danube River region, triggering alerts in neighbouring the country.

US President Donald Trump Willing to Approve Russia Penalties Bill

US president Trump is willing to approve a bill to enact sanctions on Russia, provided that he retains ultimate authority power over these measures, a senior White House representative said. The U.S. president informed reporters recently that it was “acceptable to me” that GOP members were working on a bill to impose restrictions on countries doing business with Moscow over its inability to negotiate a peace deal with the Ukrainian government.

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

Poland's prime minister, Tusk, has labeled an explosion along a part of railway line used for shipments to Ukraine as an “unprecedented act of sabotage” that might have resulted in catastrophe. This statement coincided with a announcement from legal authorities indicating that an inquiry had opened “regarding acts of sabotage of a terrorist kind […] committed on behalf of a foreign spy agency against the nation of Poland.”

China Premier Expresses Willingness to Expand Cooperation with Russia

The Chinese government is ready to deepen collaboration with Russia in energy, farming and other investments, Leader Li stated during a meeting with Russian prime minister Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier told his counterpart that the country welcomes more agricultural and food-related goods from the nation, according to a state-run news agency. The Chinese side also hopes that Russia will facilitate for companies from China to invest and do business there, the source mentioned. Mishustin told his counterpart that the cooperation between the two sides has repeatedly proven its strength to external challenges.