Ukraine war briefing: Kyiv to buy 100 Rafale warplanes, drones and air defence systems from France

NPR's international team shares insights from Yimianpo, China, where local artisans specialize in crafting Russian nesting dolls. This weekly series, titled Far-Flung Postcards, highlights unique cultural practices and the lives of those involved in traditional crafts.

Tensions between Japan and China are escalating after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested Japan might defend Taiwan against a Chinese invasion. In response, Beijing has suspended Japanese seafood imports and issued travel warnings, prompting Japan to alert its schools in China about heightened security risks.

A recent Russian missile strike in Ternopil, Ukraine, has resulted in the deaths of at least 25 individuals, including three children. The attack destroyed two residential blocks and has been described as one of the deadliest in the ongoing conflict. Ukrainian air force officials confirmed the use of cruise missiles in this assault.

European Union's Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas emphasized the need for enhanced protection of critical infrastructure amid ongoing airspace incursions into NATO allies. This follows a recent drone crossing into Romania and Moldova, shortly after a sabotage attack on a trainline in Poland.

Jamal Khashoggi, a prominent journalist, was murdered in a Saudi consulate in 2018. In a recent press conference, President Donald Trump dismissed the gravity of Khashoggi's killing, stating, 'things happen.' This comment came during a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has been implicated by the CIA in orchestrating Khashoggi's murder, although he denies any involvement.

Norway conducted a test to determine if Chinese-made buses could be hacked, highlighting growing security concerns regarding the increasing presence of Chinese technology in European infrastructure. The investigation reflects broader anxieties about the implications of relying on foreign technology for critical services.

Andrew Paul Johnson, a 44-year-old man who participated in the January 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol and was later pardoned by Donald Trump, has been arrested in Florida on multiple charges of child sexual abuse. Johnson, who pleaded not guilty, was taken into custody in Tennessee in August before being extradited to Florida to face the charges.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held talks with Turkey's president and is scheduled to meet US Army officials in Kyiv later this week. Reports indicate that Washington is secretly exploring peace conditions with Russia. Angela Diffley of France 24 welcomed Scott Lucas, a Professor of American Studies & International Politics at the Clinton Institute, University College Dublin, for in-depth analysis.