🔗 Share this article

Through a major step to bolster its future security, Ukraine has finalized a letter of intent to acquire up to 100 Rafale warplanes, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and additional key equipment from the French Republic. The agreement was formalized by Ukraine's leader Zelenskyy and France's leader Emmanuel Macron during a joint press briefing at the Elysée presidential palace. Zelenskyy referred to the pact as “an unprecedented agreement.”

Against Their Will Taken Minors: Families Lose Contact

A number of relatives of Ukrainian minors who were forcibly deported to the Russian Federation have sounded the alarm about their fate, stating that every line of communication has been cut off. During a rare news conference in Paris, a legal guardian, who cares for two minors removed after Moscow's widespread military action of Ukraine in recent years, stated that Russian authorities are ignoring every appeal to help with the children's return.

Drone Attack Hits Turkish-Flagged Vessel in Southern Ukraine

A drone hit a Turkish-flagged ship and set it ablaze in the southern part of Ukraine's Odesa area, authorities said. This event took place just one day after the Ukrainian president approved a agreement to bring in US liquefied natural gas via the area. The MT Orinda was hit while offloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail port, according to Turkey's Directorate for Maritime Affairs. Every one of the 16 crew members on board evacuated and no one was injured.

Romania's Authorities Relocate Communities After Drone Attack

Romania's officials said they had relocated two communities close to the Ukrainian frontier after the drone attack on the MT Orinda. After entering Ukraine in recent years, Russian forces has consistently targeted Ukraine's harbors in the Danube area, triggering warnings in neighbouring the country.

United States Leader Trump Open to Approve Russia Penalties Legislation

The American leader Trump is willing to approve a bill to impose sanctions on Russia, as long as he keeps final decision-making power over any such measures, an high-ranking White House official stated. Trump told reporters recently that it was “acceptable to me” that Republicans were drafting legislation to impose sanctions on countries doing business with Russia over its inability to reach a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine.

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

The Polish prime minister, Tusk, has described an explosion along a section of rail track employed in shipments to the country as an “unprecedented instance of sabotage” that could have led to catastrophe. These remarks coincided with a announcement from legal authorities saying that an inquiry had been initiated “regarding actions of disruption of a terror-related kind […] committed on orders of a external intelligence service against the Republic of Poland.”

Chinese Leader Expresses Readiness to Expand Partnership with Russia

China is ready to strengthen collaboration with the Russian Federation in energy, agriculture and other financial ventures, Leader Li said during a discussion with Russia's leader Mishustin in the Russian capital. The Chinese premier told his counterpart that the country is open to more farm and food products from the nation, according to a state-run news agency. China also hopes that Russia will facilitate for Chinese enterprises to invest and operate there, the report mentioned. The Russian leader told Li that the cooperation between the both nations has consistently demonstrated its resilience to external pressures.