Overview
- Emmanuel Macron and Volodymyr Zelensky signed a military‑assistance agreement in Paris, which Zelensky said could allow Kyiv to acquire up to 100 Rafale fighters by 2035, with French TV LCI reporting a potential €15 billion price tag.
- Ukraine’s NABU and anti‑corruption prosecutors continue operation “Midas,” having searched targets in the energy sector and brought charges that include businessman Timur Mindich and former officials, after releasing audio fragments about alleged schemes.
- Dmitry Medvedev labeled the Rafale plan corrupt, and State Duma member Adalbi Shkhagoshev said the Mindich revelations could serve as a lever for Europe to pressure Kyiv.
- Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation said SNBO secretary Rustem Umerov is on an official mission in the United States and in contact with leadership, after MP Aleksey Goncharenko claimed he extended his trip and questioned his return.
- Russia highlighted military and diplomatic activity as its Defense Ministry posted footage claiming control of Dvurechansky in Kharkiv region, a delegation met Syria’s defense minister in Damascus to discuss cooperation, and Montenegro summoned Russia’s ambassador over comments on a NATO support mechanism for Ukraine.