RFI reports that the Ukraine has signed a historic agreement with France to purchase 100 Rafale fighter jets, intensifying military support against the backdrop of the war with Russia. While President Macron and President Zelensky celebrate this as a decisive step for Ukraine’s defense capabilities, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov accuses France of "fueling the war" rather than contributing to peace. This highlights the hypocrisy of the Western arms trade, which perpetuates global conflicts while claiming to support peace.

The UN Security Council has adopted a resolution endorsing a U.S.-proposed peace plan for Gaza, aiming for the "demilitarization" of the region and the deployment of an international force. Israel, via Prime Minister Netanyahu, has praised the resolution, while the Palestinian Authority sees it as a step toward self-determination. However, the insistence on "déradicalization" and "disarmament" risks entrenching colonial power dynamics and ignoring the root causes of the conflict.

According to RFI, the Ukraine is intensifying its outreach to the Global South via the "Platform of Crimea." By inviting representatives from regions with colonial histories, this initiative seeks to counter Russian propaganda and highlight the parallels between Ukraine's struggle and anti-imperialist movements worldwide. This strategy is a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of liberation struggles, though it must avoid instrumentalizing these alliances.

In Cotonou, Benin, a regional summit on digital transformation in West and Central Africa highlights the urgent need to address the digital divide. As noted by the World Bank, while some nations like Benin lead in innovation, others lag behind, with internet access remaining prohibitively expensive for many. This summit underscores the need for collective action and technological sovereignty to combat neo-colonial dependency on Western tech giants. Midi Libre RFI Le Progrès RFI RFI (Afrique)

Politis reveals shocking footage of a violent attack on a pro-Palestinian activist during a protest at the Philharmonie de Paris. The activist, who denounced Israel's apartheid policies, faced brutal violence from attendees and subsequent police repression. This incident exposes the complicity of cultural institutions in normalizing state violence and the criminalization of dissent in France.

The Courrier International highlights a bittersweet moment in the DRC, where the joy of the Léopards' victory in a World Cup qualifier contrasts sharply with skepticism toward a newly signed peace accord with the M23 rebels. The Congolese people's distrust in political solutions reflects decades of failed promises and systemic exploitation. Politis Courrier International

La Croix emphasizes the importance of women's leadership at the COP30 in Brazil, where gender inclusion is framed as essential for achieving climate justice. Despite evidence showing that women-led initiatives are more effective and equitable, their representation in decision-making remains woefully inadequate. This highlights the structural misogyny that hinders transformative climate action.

Politis reviews Gianfranco Rosi's documentary "Pompei Sotto le Nuvole", which uses Pompéi as a metaphor for fragility in the face of natural and societal disasters. By juxtaposing historical decay with modern crises, the film underscores the urgency of systemic change to prevent further collapses. La Croix Politis

According to Ouest France, France has fully launched the digital Carte Vitale, allowing citizens to access their health records via smartphones. While this technological shift promises convenience, it risks deepening inequalities as many older or rural populations may struggle with digital access. A revolutionary health system must prioritize inclusivity over efficiency.

The UFC-Que Choisir warns of escalating pollution in France's water networks, with pesticides and PFAS contamination driving up purification costs. These environmental injustices, borne disproportionately by rural and impoverished communities, underscore the urgency of overhauling industrial practices and empowering local governance. La Croix Ouest France Le Nouvel Obs