Articles in this Cluster
18-11-2025
Ukraine is set to receive up to 100 French-made Rafale F4 fighter jets as part of a 'historic' deal aimed at bolstering its defense capabilities against Russian attacks. The agreement, signed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron, also includes the provision of advanced air defense systems and interceptor drones. Deliveries of the Rafale F4s are expected to be completed by 2035. The deal is seen as a significant step in supporting Ukraine's military regeneration, although the impact is expected to be long-term due to the complexities around training, logistics, and financing.
Entities: Ukraine, France, Rafale F4 fighter jets, Volodymyr Zelensky, Emmanuel Macron • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: positive • Intent: inform
18-11-2025
President Trump announced that the U.S. will sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia ahead of a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House. Trump stated that the Saudis 'want to buy' the jets and have 'been a great ally.' The sale is part of a broader effort by Trump to secure major business and national security deals with Saudi Arabia during the crown prince's visit. Trump and his son-in-law Jared Kushner have developed close relationships with the Saudis, viewing them as critical partners in the Middle East.
Entities: Donald Trump, Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, Jared Kushner, F-35 fighter jets • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: positive • Intent: inform
18-11-2025
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a deal with French President Emmanuel Macron to purchase up to 100 French Rafale fighter jets over the next decade to boost Ukraine's air defense capabilities amid ongoing Russian attacks. The agreement, signed at a military airbase outside Paris, is seen as a landmark moment in the two countries' defense cooperation. Russia continued its attacks on Ukraine, launching over 100 missiles and drones, killing at least three people and hitting energy facilities. The Ukrainian president has been pushing Western partners to bolster Ukraine's air defense capabilities. The deal includes not only the purchase of Rafale jets but also other military equipment and cooperation in producing interceptor drones and developing critical technologies.
Entities: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Emmanuel Macron, Ukraine, France, Russia • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
18-11-2025
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is set to visit the US for the first time since the killing of Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. The visit aims to strengthen defense, trade, and technology ties between the two countries, with a focus on cementing a $600 billion trade and investment commitment made during President Donald Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia in May. The trip is also seen as an opportunity for Saudi Arabia to rehabilitate its global image, which has been tarnished by the Khashoggi killing and criticism over human rights and gender equality. Analysts expect the US to push for increased Saudi investments in US companies and for Saudi Arabia to seek greater access to US technology and innovation to support its Vision 2030 reforms.
Entities: Saudi Arabia, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Donald Trump, Jamal Khashoggi, United States • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
18-11-2025
The widow of murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Hanan Elatr Khashoggi, has spoken out about the 'very painful' visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud to the US. In an interview with CNN's Jim Sciutto, she expressed her distress over President Donald Trump's decision to welcome the prince despite a CIA assessment finding that he likely ordered her husband's assassination. The prince has denied any involvement in the killing.
Entities: Jamal Khashoggi, Hanan Elatr Khashoggi, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, President Donald Trump, CIA • Tone: negative • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
18-11-2025
A senior Ukrainian commander, Major Oleh Shyriaiev, has appealed to the US for Tomahawk missiles as intense fighting between Russian and Ukrainian troops continues on the eastern frontline. Shyriaiev believes that long-range missiles would help Ukraine hold back Russian advances and gain a better bargaining position to negotiate an end to the war. The US has been hesitant to send such weapons, fearing it would be seen as an escalatory move by Russia. Despite this, Shyriaiev remains resolute in Ukraine's ability to defend itself, regardless of the type and number of weapons received.
Entities: Major Oleh Shyriaiev, Ukraine, Russia, Tomahawk missiles, US • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
18-11-2025
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a letter of intent with France to purchase 100 Rafale fighter jets, aiming to strengthen Ukraine's air defence capabilities against Russia. The deal, signed with French President Emmanuel Macron, is part of a 10-year aviation agreement and may include additional air defence systems such as SAMP-T systems, radars, and missiles. The move comes amid escalating Russian drone and missile attacks on Ukraine, with Moscow's defence ministry claiming to have captured five villages. Zelenskyy stated that the agreement will make Ukraine's air defence 'one of the greatest in the world'.
Entities: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, France, Emmanuel Macron, Russia, Ukraine • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
