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Through a major step to bolster its long-term security, Ukraine has signed a preliminary agreement to purchase as many as 100 Rafale warplanes, drones, air defence systems and additional key gear from the French Republic. The agreement was formalized by Ukrainian president Zelenskyy and French president Macron during a joint press briefing at the Elysée residence. Zelenskyy described the pact as “an unprecedented deal.”

Against Their Will Deported Minors: Relatives Lose Contact

A number of families of Ukrainian children who were taken against their will to the Russian Federation have raised concerns about their well-being, reporting that every line of communication has been cut off. At a rare news conference in Paris, Darina Repina, who is responsible for two minors taken after Russia's full-scale military action of the country in 2022, said that Russian authorities are ignoring every appeal to facilitate the children's return.

Drone Strike Hits Turkey-Registered Tanker in Odesa

A drone struck a Turkey-registered ship and set it ablaze in the southern part of the Odesa region, officials reported. This event took place just a day after the Ukrainian president signed a deal to import US LNG through the region. The MT Orinda was struck while unloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail harbor, as stated by Turkey's maritime authority. All 16 crew aboard evacuated and not a single person was hurt.

Romania's Officials Evacuate Villages After Aerial Attack

Romania's officials announced they had evacuated two villages close to the Ukraine frontier following the drone attack on the MT Orinda. After entering Ukraine in recent years, Moscow has consistently targeted Ukraine's harbors in the Danube region, causing alerts in neighbouring Romania.

United States Leader Trump Open to Sign Russian Sanctions Bill

US president Trump is willing to approve legislation to impose penalties on Russia, as long as he keeps ultimate decision-making authority over any such measures, an high-ranking White House representative said. The U.S. president told reporters late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that GOP members were working on a bill to impose restrictions on countries doing business with Russia over its inability to negotiate a peace deal with Ukraine.

Polish Leader Describes Rail Explosion an “Never-Before-Seen Case of Disruption”

The Polish prime minister, Donald Tusk, has described an blast along a part of railway line used for deliveries to the country as an “unprecedented instance of sabotage” that could have resulted in catastrophe. These remarks came as a statement from public prosecutors saying that an inquiry had been initiated “concerning actions of sabotage of a terror-related kind […] carried out on behalf of a external intelligence agency against the nation of the country.”

Chinese Leader Expresses Willingness to Deepen Partnership with Russia

The Chinese government is prepared to strengthen collaboration with Russia in energy, farming and additional investments, Premier Li stated during a discussion with Russian prime minister Mishustin in Moscow. Li told his counterpart that the country is open to more agricultural and food-related goods from the nation, as per the official news agency. The Chinese side also desires that Russia will facilitate for companies from China to put money and do business there, the source cited. The Russian leader told Li that the partnership between the both nations has repeatedly demonstrated its strength to outside pressures.