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Through a major move to strengthen its long-term defense, Ukraine has finalized a preliminary agreement to acquire as many as 100 Rafale jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defense equipment and other key equipment from France. This deal was formalized by Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy and France's leader Emmanuel Macron during a shared press briefing at the Elysée presidential palace. The Ukrainian leader described the arrangement as “an unprecedented agreement.”

Against Their Will Deported Minors: Relatives Lose Contact

Several relatives of Ukraine's children who were taken against their will to Russia have sounded the alarm about their fate, stating that every line of communication has been cut off. During a uncommon press event in the French capital, Darina Repina, who cares for two children taken after Russia's full-scale military action of the country in 2022, said that Russian authorities are disregarding all requests to facilitate the minors' repatriation.

Unmanned Aerial Attack Hits Turkey-Registered Tanker in Odesa

An unmanned aerial vehicle struck a Turkish-flagged ship and caused a fire in southern the Odesa area, officials said. The incident took place just one day after Zelenskyy approved a agreement to bring in US LNG through the area. The MT Orinda was hit while offloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail port, as stated by Turkey's Directorate for Maritime Affairs. Every one of the 16 crew on board were safely removed and no one was injured.

Romanian Authorities Relocate Communities Following Drone Attack

Romanian authorities said they had evacuated two villages near the Ukraine border after the drone attack on the MT Orinda. After invading Ukraine in recent years, Moscow has repeatedly targeted Ukrainian harbors in the Danube region, causing warnings in neighbouring Romania.

US President Trump Open to Approve Russia Sanctions Bill

The American leader Trump is prepared to sign a bill to enact sanctions on the Russian Federation, provided that he keeps final decision-making authority over any such actions, a senior White House official said. The U.S. president informed reporters recently that it was “OK with me” that Republicans were drafting a bill to impose restrictions on countries doing business with Moscow over its failure to negotiate a ceasefire agreement with the Ukrainian government.

Polish Prime Minister Describes Rail Blast an “Unprecedented Act of Sabotage”

The Polish leader, Tusk, has labeled an blast along a part of railway line used for deliveries to Ukraine as an “unprecedented act of sabotage” that might have resulted in disaster. This statement came as a announcement from legal authorities indicating that an investigation had opened “regarding actions of disruption of a terror-related kind […] carried out on orders of a foreign intelligence agency against the nation of the country.”

China Premier Expresses Readiness to Expand Partnership with Russian Federation

The Chinese government is prepared to strengthen collaboration with the Russian Federation in energy, farming and additional financial ventures, Leader Li Qiang stated during a discussion with Russia's leader Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier informed Mishustin that China welcomes more farm and food-related goods from the nation, according to the official news agency. China also desires that Moscow will facilitate for companies from China to invest and operate there, the source mentioned. The Russian leader assured his counterpart that the partnership between the two sides has consistently demonstrated its resilience to outside challenges.