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Through a major step to strengthen its long-term security, Ukraine has finalized a letter of intent to acquire as many as 100 Rafale warplanes, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defense equipment and additional key equipment from France. The agreement was signed by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and France's leader Emmanuel Macron during a shared news conference at the Elysée palace. The Ukrainian leader referred to the pact as “a historic agreement.”

Against Their Will Deported Children: Families Lose Communication

A number of relatives of Ukrainian minors who were taken against their will to Russia have sounded the alarm about their fate, reporting that every line of communication has been cut off. During a uncommon press event in Paris, a legal guardian, who cares for two minors taken after Russia's widespread military action of the country in recent years, said that officials in Russia are ignoring all requests to help with the minors' return.

Drone Attack Targets Turkey-Registered Tanker in Odesa

A drone hit a Turkey-registered ship and set it ablaze in southern Ukraine's Odesa region, authorities said. The incident took place just a day after Zelenskyy approved a deal to bring in American liquefied natural gas through the area. The MT Orinda was struck while unloading LPG at Izmail harbor, according to Turkish maritime authority. All 16 crew on board were safely removed and no one was hurt.

Romanian Authorities Relocate Villages Following Aerial Incident

Romania's authorities said they had relocated two communities close to the Ukraine border following the drone attack on the tanker. After invading the country in 2022, Russian forces has repeatedly targeted Ukrainian ports in the Danube area, triggering warnings in neighbouring the country.

United States President Trump Willing to Approve Russia Sanctions Bill

The American leader Trump is willing to sign legislation to enact sanctions on the Russian Federation, as long as he keeps final authority power over any such measures, a senior U.S. administration representative stated. Trump told journalists recently that it was “acceptable to me” that GOP members were working on legislation to apply restrictions on nations doing business with Russia over its inability to negotiate a peace deal with the Ukrainian government.

Poland's Prime Minister Calls Rail Blast an “Never-Before-Seen Case of Sabotage”

The Polish leader, Donald Tusk, has described an blast along a part of rail track used for deliveries to Ukraine as an “unprecedented act of disruption” that could have led to catastrophe. These remarks coincided with a announcement from legal authorities indicating that an inquiry had opened “concerning acts of disruption of a terror-related kind […] carried out on orders of a external intelligence agency against the nation of Poland.”

Chinese Premier Shows Willingness to Deepen Cooperation with Russia

The Chinese government is prepared to deepen cooperation with Russia in energy, farming and other investments, Premier Li Qiang said during a meeting with Russian prime minister Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier informed Mishustin that China welcomes more farm and food products from Russia, as per the official media outlet. The Chinese side also desires that Russia will facilitate for Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Russia, the report cited. Mishustin told his counterpart that the partnership between the two sides has repeatedly proven its strength to outside challenges.