🔗 Share this article

In a significant move to strengthen its future defense, Ukraine has finalized a letter of intent to acquire up to 100 Rafale fighter warplanes, drones, air defence systems and additional key gear from the French Republic. This deal was signed by Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French president Macron during a joint news conference at the Elysée presidential residence. The Ukrainian leader described the arrangement as “an unprecedented agreement.”

Forcibly Taken Children: Relatives Cut Off Contact

A number of relatives of Ukraine's minors who were forcibly deported to Russia have raised concerns about their fate, reporting that all contact has been cut off. During a rare news conference in Paris, Darina Repina, who is responsible for two children removed after Russia's widespread invasion of Ukraine in 2022, said that officials in Russia are disregarding every appeal to facilitate the minors' repatriation.

Unmanned Aerial Attack Targets Turkey-Registered Vessel in Southern Ukraine

An unmanned aerial vehicle hit a Turkey-registered tanker and set it ablaze in the southern part of Ukraine's Odesa region, authorities said. The incident occurred just one day after Zelenskyy signed a deal to import US liquefied natural gas via the area. The MT Orinda was hit while offloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail port, according to Turkish Directorate for Maritime Affairs. Every one of the 16 crew on board evacuated and not a single person was injured.

Romania's Authorities Evacuate Communities Following Aerial Attack

Romanian authorities said they had evacuated two villages near the Ukraine frontier after the aerial strike on the MT Orinda. Since invading the country in recent years, Russian forces has consistently attacked Ukrainian ports in the Danube River area, causing alerts in neighbouring the country.

US Leader Donald Trump Willing to Approve Russia Penalties Legislation

US president Trump is willing to sign legislation to impose penalties on Russia, provided that he keeps final authority authority over any such measures, an high-ranking U.S. administration representative stated. Trump informed reporters late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that Republicans were working on legislation to impose restrictions on nations engaging commercially with Moscow over its inability to negotiate a peace deal with Ukraine.

Poland's Leader Describes Railway Explosion an “Unprecedented Case of Sabotage”

Poland's leader, Donald Tusk, has described an blast along a section of rail track used for deliveries to Ukraine as an “unprecedented instance of sabotage” that could have resulted in disaster. This statement came as a announcement from legal authorities saying that an inquiry had opened “concerning actions of disruption of a terror-related kind […] carried out on behalf of a external spy agency against the Republic of the country.”

China Leader Shows Readiness to Deepen Cooperation with Russia

China is ready to strengthen collaboration with Russia in the energy sector, agriculture and other investments, Premier Li Qiang stated during a meeting with Russian prime minister Mishustin in the Russian capital. The Chinese premier informed his counterpart that China is open to more farm and food-related goods from the nation, according to the official news agency. The Chinese side also hopes that Russia will facilitate for Chinese enterprises to put money and do business there, the source cited. The Russian leader assured his counterpart that the partnership between the both nations has repeatedly proven its resilience to outside challenges.