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Through a major step to strengthen its long-term defense, Ukraine has signed a letter of intent to purchase up to 100 Rafale jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defense equipment and other key equipment from the French Republic. The agreement was signed by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French president Macron during a joint news conference at the Elysée presidential palace. Zelenskyy referred to the pact as “a historic deal.”

Against Their Will Taken Minors: Families Cut Off Contact

A number of families of Ukrainian children who were taken against their will to Russia have sounded the alarm about their fate, stating that every line of communication has been severed. At a uncommon press event in the French capital, a legal guardian, who cares for two minors removed after Russia's widespread invasion of Ukraine in 2022, said that Russian authorities are disregarding every appeal to facilitate the minors' return.

Drone Attack Hits Turkey-Registered Tanker in Odesa

A drone struck a Turkish-flagged ship and caused a fire in the southern part of Ukraine's Odesa region, authorities reported. The incident occurred just one day after Zelenskyy signed a agreement to import US liquefied natural gas via the area. The vessel was hit while offloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail port, according to Turkish Directorate for Maritime Affairs. All 16 crew members aboard evacuated and no one was hurt.

Romanian Authorities Relocate Villages After Drone Incident

Romania's authorities announced they had evacuated two villages near the Ukrainian frontier after the drone attack on the MT Orinda. Since invading Ukraine in 2022, Moscow has repeatedly targeted Ukrainian ports in the Danube area, triggering warnings in adjacent Romania.

US Leader Donald Trump Willing to Sign Russian Penalties Bill

US president Donald Trump is willing to sign legislation to enact sanctions on Russia, provided that he keeps ultimate authority power over any such measures, an high-ranking U.S. administration official said. The U.S. president told reporters recently that it was “OK with me” that Republicans were working on legislation to apply sanctions on countries engaging commercially with Moscow over its failure to negotiate a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine.

Polish Leader Describes Railway Explosion an “Unprecedented Case of Sabotage”

The Polish leader, Donald Tusk, has labeled an explosion along a part of rail track employed in shipments to Ukraine as an “unprecedented instance of disruption” that might have led to catastrophe. These remarks came as a statement from public prosecutors indicating that an inquiry had opened “concerning actions of sabotage of a terror-related nature […] carried out on orders of a foreign spy agency against the Republic of Poland.”

Chinese Leader Expresses Willingness to Expand Cooperation with Russian Federation

The Chinese government is prepared to deepen cooperation with the Russian Federation in energy, agriculture and other financial ventures, Premier Li stated during a discussion with Russia's leader Mikhail Mishustin in the Russian capital. Li told his counterpart that the country welcomes more farm and food products from the nation, as per the official news agency. The Chinese side also hopes that Russia will facilitate for companies from China to put money and do business there, the report cited. Mishustin told Li that the partnership between the two sides has repeatedly proven its resilience to external pressures.