Ukraine Inks Historic Deal for French Fighter Jets, Drones and Air Defence Systems
In a significant step to strengthen its future defense, the Ukrainian government has finalized a preliminary agreement to acquire up to 100 Rafale fighter warplanes, drones, air defence systems and other essential gear from the French Republic. This deal was signed by Ukraine's leader Zelenskyy and France's leader Emmanuel Macron during a shared press briefing at the Elysée palace. The Ukrainian leader referred to the pact as “an unprecedented agreement.”
Against Their Will Deported Children: Relatives Lose Communication
A number of families of Ukrainian children who were forcibly deported to the Russian Federation have sounded the alarm about their well-being, reporting that all contact has been cut off. At a rare news conference in the French capital, Darina Repina, who cares for two minors removed after Moscow's full-scale invasion of the country in recent years, said that officials in Russia are disregarding every appeal to help with the minors' return.
Unmanned Aerial Attack Hits Turkish-Flagged Vessel in Southern Ukraine
An unmanned aerial vehicle hit a Turkish-flagged ship and caused a fire in the southern part of the Odesa area, officials said. The incident occurred just a day after Zelenskyy signed a agreement to bring in American LNG through the area. The vessel was struck while unloading LPG at Izmail harbor, according to Turkish Directorate for Maritime Affairs. Every one of the 16 crew on board evacuated and not a single person was hurt.
Romania's Officials Evacuate Villages Following Drone Incident
Romania's officials said they had evacuated two villages close to the Ukrainian border following the aerial strike on the tanker. After invading the country in recent years, Russian forces has repeatedly targeted Ukraine's harbors in the Danube area, triggering warnings in neighbouring Romania.
United States Leader Trump Willing to Sign Russian Sanctions Legislation
US president Trump is willing to sign a bill to enact penalties on Russia, as long as he retains ultimate authority power over these actions, a senior White House official said. The U.S. president told reporters late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that GOP members were drafting legislation to apply restrictions on countries engaging commercially with Moscow over its inability to reach a peace deal with the Ukrainian government.
Poland's Leader Calls Railway Explosion an “Never-Before-Seen Act of Disruption”
The Polish prime minister, Tusk, has labeled an explosion along a section of rail track employed in deliveries to Ukraine as an “unprecedented instance of sabotage” that could have led to disaster. These remarks coincided with a announcement from public prosecutors saying that an inquiry had been initiated “concerning actions of sabotage of a terror-related kind […] carried out on orders of a external spy agency against the nation of Poland.”
China Leader Shows Readiness to Expand Cooperation with Russian Federation
China is ready to strengthen cooperation with the Russian Federation in energy, farming and other financial ventures, Premier Li said during a meeting with Russian prime minister Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier informed Mishustin that the country welcomes more agricultural and food-related 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 do business in Russia, the source mentioned. The Russian leader assured his counterpart that the partnership between the two sides has consistently proven its resilience to external challenges.