🔗 Share this article

Through a major step to bolster its long-term security, Ukraine has signed a preliminary agreement to acquire as many as 100 Rafale fighter warplanes, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defense equipment and additional essential gear from the French Republic. The agreement was formalized by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French president Emmanuel Macron during a joint press briefing at the Elysée residence. The Ukrainian leader described the pact as “a historic deal.”

Forcibly Deported Minors: Relatives Lose Contact

A number of families of Ukrainian minors who were taken against their will to Russia have raised concerns about their fate, reporting that every line of communication has been cut off. At a uncommon press event in Paris, Darina Repina, who cares for two minors removed after Moscow's full-scale military action of the country in recent years, said that officials in Russia are ignoring every appeal to facilitate the children's repatriation.

Unmanned Aerial Strike Hits Turkish-Flagged Vessel in Odesa

An unmanned aerial vehicle hit a Turkish-flagged tanker and set it ablaze in southern Ukraine's Odesa region, officials reported. This event took place just one day after the Ukrainian president signed a agreement to import American LNG via the area. The MT Orinda was hit while unloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail harbor, as stated by Turkish Directorate for Maritime Affairs. Every one of the 16 crew aboard evacuated and no one was hurt.

Romanian Officials Evacuate Villages Following Drone Incident

Romania's officials announced they had evacuated two communities close to the Ukrainian frontier following the drone attack on the MT Orinda. Since invading Ukraine in recent years, Moscow has consistently targeted Ukrainian ports in the Danube River area, causing alerts in neighbouring the country.

US President Trump Open to Sign Russian Sanctions Legislation

US president Donald Trump is willing to approve legislation to impose sanctions on the Russian Federation, as long as he keeps final decision-making authority over any such actions, an high-ranking White House representative stated. Trump informed journalists recently that it was “acceptable to me” that Republicans were working on a bill to impose restrictions on countries engaging commercially with Russia over its inability to reach a peace deal with Ukraine.

Polish Leader Calls Railway Explosion an “Unprecedented Case of Disruption”

Poland's leader, Donald Tusk, has labeled an blast along a part of railway line employed in 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 been initiated “regarding actions of sabotage of a terror-related nature […] carried out on behalf of a external intelligence agency against the Republic of the country.”

Chinese Leader Shows Willingness to Deepen Partnership with Russia

The Chinese government is ready to strengthen cooperation with the Russian Federation in energy, farming and additional financial ventures, Leader Li said during a discussion with Russia's leader Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow. Li told his counterpart that China welcomes more agricultural and food products from the nation, according to a state-run media outlet. The Chinese side also hopes that Moscow will make it easier for companies from China to put money and operate in Russia, the source mentioned. Mishustin assured his counterpart that the partnership between the both nations has consistently demonstrated its strength to external challenges.