🔗 Share this article

Through a major step to strengthen its long-term security, the Ukrainian government has finalized a letter of intent to purchase as many as 100 Rafale fighter jets, drones, air defence systems and other essential equipment from France. This deal was signed by Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy and France's leader Macron during a joint press briefing at the Elysée presidential residence. Zelenskyy referred to the pact as “a historic agreement.”

Forcibly Taken Children: Relatives Lose Communication

Several relatives of Ukrainian minors who were forcibly deported to the Russian Federation have raised concerns about their fate, stating that every line of communication has been cut off. During a uncommon news conference in Paris, a legal guardian, who is responsible for two minors taken after Russia's full-scale invasion of the country in recent years, said that Russian authorities are ignoring all requests to help with the minors' repatriation.

Drone Strike Hits Turkish-Flagged Tanker in Odesa

An unmanned aerial vehicle struck a Turkey-registered ship and set it ablaze in the southern part of the Odesa area, authorities said. This event occurred just a day after the Ukrainian president approved a deal to import American LNG through the area. The vessel was struck while unloading LPG at Izmail harbor, according to Turkish maritime authority. Every one of the 16 crew on board evacuated and not a single person was hurt.

Romanian Authorities Evacuate Communities After Drone Incident

Romania's authorities announced they had evacuated two communities close to the Ukrainian border after the drone attack on the tanker. Since entering Ukraine in recent years, Moscow has repeatedly attacked Ukrainian harbors in the Danube River area, triggering alerts in neighbouring the country.

US Leader Trump Open to Sign Russian Sanctions Bill

The American leader Donald Trump is prepared to approve legislation to impose sanctions on Russia, as long as he keeps ultimate authority authority over these measures, an high-ranking U.S. administration representative said. The U.S. president informed journalists late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that GOP members were working on a bill to apply sanctions on countries doing business with Moscow over its inability to reach a peace deal with the Ukrainian government.

Poland's Prime Minister Describes Railway Blast an “Never-Before-Seen Act of Disruption”

The Polish prime minister, Tusk, has labeled an blast along a section of rail track employed in shipments to the country as an “unprecedented instance of disruption” that could have led to disaster. These remarks coincided with a statement from public prosecutors indicating that an inquiry had opened “regarding actions of sabotage of a terrorist nature […] carried out on orders of a external spy service against the Republic of the country.”

Chinese Premier Expresses Readiness to Deepen Partnership with Russian Federation

The Chinese government is prepared to strengthen collaboration with Russia in the energy sector, agriculture and additional financial ventures, Premier Li Qiang stated during a discussion with Russia's leader Mikhail Mishustin in the Russian capital. Li informed his counterpart that China welcomes more farm and food goods from Russia, as per a state-run media outlet. China also hopes that Moscow will facilitate for companies from China to put money and operate there, the report cited. The Russian leader told his counterpart that the partnership between the both nations has consistently demonstrated its strength to outside challenges.