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In a significant step to bolster its long-term defense, the Ukrainian government has signed a letter of intent to purchase up to 100 Rafale fighter jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and additional key equipment from the French Republic. The agreement was signed by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French president Macron during a joint news conference at the Elysée presidential residence. Zelenskyy referred to the arrangement as “an unprecedented deal.”

Forcibly Taken Children: Families Cut Off Contact

A number of relatives of Ukraine's children who were forcibly deported to Russia have sounded the alarm about their fate, stating that all contact has been cut off. At a uncommon press event in Paris, a legal guardian, who is responsible for two minors removed after Moscow'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.

Unmanned Aerial Attack Hits Turkey-Registered Vessel in Odesa

A drone struck a Turkish-flagged tanker and set it ablaze in the southern part of the Odesa region, officials reported. This event took place just one day after the Ukrainian president approved a deal to import US liquefied natural gas via the area. The MT Orinda was hit while unloading LPG at Izmail harbor, as stated by Turkish maritime authority. Every one of the 16 crew aboard were safely removed and not a single person was injured.

Romania's Authorities Relocate Communities Following Drone Incident

Romania's officials announced they had evacuated two communities near the Ukrainian frontier following the drone attack on the tanker. Since invading Ukraine in recent years, Moscow has consistently targeted Ukrainian ports in the Danube River area, causing alerts in neighbouring the country.

US President Donald Trump Open to Approve Russia Sanctions Bill

The American leader Donald Trump is prepared to approve legislation to impose sanctions on Russia, as long as he retains final decision-making authority over these actions, a senior White House representative said. The U.S. president informed journalists recently that it was “OK with me” that Republicans were working on legislation to apply sanctions on nations engaging commercially with Moscow over its failure to reach a peace deal with the Ukrainian government.

Polish Leader Describes Railway Explosion an “Never-Before-Seen Case of Sabotage”

The Polish prime minister, Tusk, has described an explosion along a part of railway line used for shipments to the country as an “unprecedented instance of sabotage” that could have led to disaster. These remarks coincided with a announcement from public prosecutors indicating that an inquiry had opened “concerning actions of disruption of a terrorist kind […] carried out on behalf of a external spy agency against the nation of Poland.”

China Leader Shows Willingness to Deepen Partnership with Russian Federation

China is ready to deepen cooperation with the Russian Federation in energy, agriculture and additional investments, Leader Li said during a meeting with Russian prime minister Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier told his counterpart that the country welcomes more agricultural and food-related goods from Russia, as per a state-run media outlet. The Chinese side also hopes that Moscow will facilitate for companies from China to put money and operate in Russia, the source mentioned. Mishustin told Li that the cooperation between the both nations has consistently proven its resilience to external challenges.