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Through a major step to bolster its long-term defense, Ukraine has signed a preliminary agreement to purchase up to 100 Rafale fighter warplanes, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defense equipment and additional key equipment from France. This deal was signed by Ukrainian president Zelenskyy and France's leader Macron during a joint news conference at the Elysée presidential residence. The Ukrainian leader referred to the arrangement as “an unprecedented deal.”

Against Their Will Taken Minors: Families Cut Off Contact

Several relatives of Ukrainian minors who were forcibly deported to the Russian Federation have raised concerns about their fate, reporting that all contact has been severed. At a rare news conference in Paris, a legal guardian, who cares for two children removed after Russia's full-scale military action of the country in recent years, stated that officials in Russia are ignoring all requests to help with the minors' return.

Unmanned Aerial Strike Targets Turkish-Flagged Vessel in Odesa

A drone struck a Turkish-flagged ship and set it ablaze in the southern part of Ukraine's Odesa region, authorities reported. This event took place just one day after Zelenskyy signed a agreement to import US LNG through the area. The vessel was struck while unloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail port, as stated by Turkish maritime authority. All 16 crew on board were safely removed and no one was hurt.

Romanian Officials Evacuate Villages Following Aerial Attack

Romanian officials said they had evacuated two villages close to the Ukrainian frontier following the drone attack on the tanker. After invading the country in recent years, Moscow has consistently attacked Ukrainian harbors in the Danube area, causing warnings in neighbouring Romania.

United States President Trump Open to Sign Russian Penalties Legislation

US president Donald Trump is willing to approve legislation to enact sanctions on Russia, as long as he retains final decision-making authority over these actions, an high-ranking U.S. administration representative said. The U.S. president informed reporters recently that it was “acceptable to me” that Republicans were working on a bill to impose restrictions on nations engaging commercially with Moscow over its inability to negotiate a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine.

Polish Prime Minister Describes Rail Explosion an “Never-Before-Seen Act of Disruption”

Poland's leader, Tusk, has labeled an blast along a part of railway line used for deliveries to the country as an “unprecedented act of sabotage” that might have resulted in disaster. These remarks coincided with a statement from public prosecutors indicating that an inquiry had opened “concerning acts of disruption of a terror-related nature […] committed on orders of a external spy service against the nation of the country.”

Chinese Leader Expresses Willingness to Expand Partnership with Russia

The Chinese government is prepared to strengthen cooperation with Russia in energy, agriculture and additional investments, Leader Li Qiang stated during a meeting with Russian prime minister Mishustin in Moscow. Li informed Mishustin that China welcomes more farm and food goods from Russia, according to a state-run media outlet. The Chinese side also desires that Russia will make it easier for companies from China to invest and operate there, the source mentioned. Mishustin assured his counterpart that the partnership between the two sides has repeatedly demonstrated its resilience to external challenges.