Ukraine-France defense deal, new SAMP-T systems for Ukraine - Monday brief

Zelenskyy and Macron sign historic agreement

Zelenskyy announced that this agreement would be signed between Ukraine and France to strengthen Ukraine's combat aviation and air defense. According to a statement from the Élysée Palace, the document is designed to last for approximately 10 years.

It provides for possible future contracts for Ukraine to purchase about 100 Rafale fighter jets with related weapons, as well as other weapons, including SAMP-T air defense systems, radar systems, and drones.

Ukraine may receive 8 SAMP-T air defense systems from France, Zelenskyy says

"Ukraine will be able to receive 100 Rafale F-4 aircraft, very powerful French radars, eight SAMP-T air defense systems, and six launchers. For some, these are technical details, but for us, they are important," Zelenskyy says.

Russia strikes Ukraine's Kharkiv region: Number of wounded rises, including children

Russian troops attacked Balakliia in the Kharkiv region with missiles, causing casualties and injuries.

According to preliminary data, 3 people were killed and 13 were injured, including 4 children.

US prepares sanctions on countries doing business with Russia — Reuters

US President Donald Trump says that Republicans are working on imposing sanctions against countries that have trade relations with Russia.

The US President did not provide details about the bill, but hinted at which countries could be among the first to face sanctions.

"They may add Iran to that," Donald Trump says.

Ukraine begins review of state nuclear company Energoatom, PM says

Ukraine has begun auditing Energoatom after a corruption scheme was uncovered within the company. The first results are expected in December.

Corruption in Ukraine's energy sector: What it means for foreign support

The risk that a corruption scandal in the energy sector could affect international aid to Ukraine does exist. However, Ukrainians need to keep a cool head so as not to worsen the situation, stated Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine.

"Such a risk does exist (a negative impact on aid due to the scandal - ed.). We need to think about this and avoid giving ourselves an additional reason that would make the enemy’s job easier. They have already predictably begun working through bot networks that are fueling even more negativity in society. There is also targeted work aimed at our partners, suggesting they cannot deal with Ukraine," Budanov said.

Orbán says aid to Ukraine is like sending 'another crate of vodka' to alcoholic

According to Orbán, he received a letter from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, in which she wrote about Ukraine’s significant funding shortfall and asked for additional financial support.

"It's astonishing. At a time when it has become clear that a war mafia is siphoning off European taxpayers’ money, instead of demanding real oversight or suspending payments, the Commission President suggests we send even more. This whole matter is a bit like trying to help an alcoholic by sending them another crate of vodka. Hungary has not lost its common sense," he wrote.

Belgium orders interceptor drones after incidents with unidentified UAVs

The Belgian government has purchased interceptor drones from a Latvian company after a series of drone-related incidents.

According to Belgium’s Defense Minister Theo Francken, he signed an agreement in Riga with the Latvian company Origin Robotics to buy autonomous Blaze drones, which can be used to detect and destroy hostile drones.