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Through a major step to bolster its long-term defense, Ukraine has signed a preliminary agreement to purchase up to 100 Rafale fighter jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defense equipment and other essential equipment from the French Republic. This deal was formalized by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and France's leader Emmanuel Macron during a joint news conference at the Elysée residence. Zelenskyy referred to the pact as “a historic deal.”

Forcibly Deported Children: Relatives Cut Off Contact

A number of relatives of Ukrainian minors who were taken against their will to the Russian Federation have sounded the alarm about their fate, reporting that every line of communication has been severed. During a uncommon press event in Paris, Darina Repina, who cares for two minors removed after Russia's widespread military action of Ukraine in 2022, said that officials in Russia are disregarding all requests to facilitate the minors' return.

Drone Strike Hits Turkey-Registered Vessel in Southern Ukraine

A drone hit a Turkey-registered ship and set it ablaze in the southern part of the Odesa area, officials said. This event took place just a day after the Ukrainian president approved a deal to import US LNG via the area. The MT Orinda was struck while unloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail port, as stated by Turkish maritime authority. All 16 crew aboard were safely removed and not a single person was injured.

Romanian Authorities Evacuate Communities After Drone Incident

Romanian officials said they had evacuated two villages close to the Ukrainian border following the drone attack on the tanker. Since invading Ukraine in 2022, Moscow has repeatedly attacked Ukraine's ports in the Danube area, causing alerts in neighbouring Romania.

US Leader Trump Willing to Sign Russia Penalties Bill

The American leader Donald Trump is willing to sign legislation to impose penalties on the Russian Federation, as long as he keeps ultimate authority power over these measures, a senior U.S. administration official stated. The U.S. president informed reporters recently that it was “acceptable to me” that GOP members were working on a bill to impose sanctions on nations engaging commercially with Moscow over its inability to reach a ceasefire agreement with the Ukrainian government.

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

Poland's prime minister, Donald Tusk, has described an explosion along a section of railway line used for deliveries to Ukraine as an “unprecedented act of sabotage” that might have resulted in catastrophe. This statement coincided with a announcement from legal authorities indicating that an investigation had been initiated “regarding actions of sabotage of a terrorist nature […] committed on behalf of a foreign spy agency against the nation of the country.”

Chinese Premier Shows Readiness to Deepen Partnership with Russia

The Chinese government is ready to strengthen collaboration with the Russian Federation in energy, farming and additional financial ventures, Premier Li said during a discussion with Russian prime minister Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier informed his counterpart that China is open to more agricultural and food-related goods from the nation, as per the official media outlet. The Chinese side also hopes that Moscow will facilitate for companies from China to invest and operate there, the source mentioned. Mishustin told his counterpart that the cooperation between the both nations has consistently proven its strength to outside challenges.