🔗 Share this article

Through a major step to bolster its long-term defense, the Ukrainian government has finalized a letter of intent to purchase as many as 100 Rafale warplanes, drones, air defence systems and other key gear from France. The agreement was formalized by Ukrainian president Zelenskyy and French president Macron during a joint news conference at the Elysée residence. Zelenskyy described the arrangement as “a historic agreement.”

Forcibly Taken Minors: Relatives Cut Off Communication

A number of families of Ukrainian minors who were taken against their will to Russia have raised concerns about their fate, stating that every line of communication has been severed. At a uncommon press event in the French capital, a legal guardian, who cares for two children removed after Russia's full-scale military action of Ukraine in recent years, stated that Russian authorities are disregarding every appeal to help with the minors' repatriation.

Drone Attack Targets Turkish-Flagged Vessel in Southern Ukraine

A drone hit a Turkey-registered tanker and set it ablaze in the southern part of Ukraine's Odesa region, officials said. This event took place just a day after the Ukrainian president approved a agreement to bring in US liquefied natural gas through the region. The vessel was hit while offloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail harbor, as stated by Turkey's Directorate for Maritime Affairs. All 16 crew members aboard evacuated and no one was injured.

Romanian Officials Relocate Villages After Drone Incident

Romanian officials announced they had relocated two villages near the Ukraine frontier after the drone attack on the tanker. Since invading Ukraine in 2022, Moscow has consistently attacked Ukrainian ports in the Danube River region, triggering alerts in adjacent Romania.

US President Donald Trump Open to Approve Russian Sanctions Legislation

US president Donald Trump is willing to sign legislation to enact sanctions on Russia, provided that he retains final decision-making power over any such measures, a senior White House representative said. Trump informed journalists recently that it was “OK with me” that GOP members were working on legislation to apply restrictions on nations doing business with Russia over its inability to reach a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine.

Polish Prime Minister Describes Railway Explosion an “Never-Before-Seen Act of Sabotage”

Poland's leader, Tusk, has labeled an explosion along a part of railway line employed in deliveries to Ukraine as an “unprecedented instance of sabotage” that might have resulted in disaster. This statement coincided with a announcement from public prosecutors indicating that an inquiry had been initiated “concerning acts of sabotage of a terrorist kind […] carried out on behalf of a foreign spy agency against the Republic of Poland.”

Chinese Premier Shows Willingness to Expand Cooperation with Russian Federation

The Chinese government is ready to deepen collaboration with the Russian Federation in energy, farming and additional financial ventures, Premier Li said during a discussion with Russian prime minister Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier informed his counterpart that China welcomes more farm and food-related goods from Russia, according to the official media outlet. 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 told his counterpart that the cooperation between the both nations has consistently demonstrated its strength to external pressures.