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Through a major move to strengthen its long-term security, Ukraine has finalized a preliminary agreement to purchase as many as 100 Rafale fighter jets, drones, air defence systems and other key gear from the French Republic. The agreement was signed by Ukraine's leader Zelenskyy and France's leader Emmanuel Macron during a joint news conference at the Elysée presidential palace. Zelenskyy referred to the arrangement as “a historic deal.”

Against Their Will Taken Children: Relatives Cut Off Contact

A number of families of Ukraine's minors who were taken against their will to the Russian Federation have sounded the alarm about their fate, reporting that all contact has been cut off. At a uncommon news conference in the French capital, a legal guardian, who is responsible for two children taken after Moscow's widespread military action of the country in 2022, said that officials in Russia are disregarding every appeal to facilitate the minors' repatriation.

Unmanned Aerial Strike Targets Turkey-Registered Tanker in Southern Ukraine

A drone struck a Turkish-flagged tanker and set it ablaze in the southern part of the Odesa area, authorities said. This event took place just one day after Zelenskyy signed a deal to bring in American LNG through the area. The MT Orinda was hit while unloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail harbor, as stated by Turkish maritime authority. Every one of the 16 crew on board were safely removed and no one was hurt.

Romanian Authorities Relocate Villages After Drone Attack

Romania's officials announced they had relocated two communities close to the Ukraine frontier following the drone attack on the tanker. After entering Ukraine in 2022, Russian forces has consistently attacked Ukrainian ports in the Danube River region, triggering warnings in neighbouring Romania.

United States Leader Donald Trump Willing to Sign Russian Sanctions Legislation

US president Trump is prepared to sign legislation to impose sanctions on Russia, provided that he retains ultimate decision-making authority over any such measures, an high-ranking U.S. administration representative said. The U.S. president told journalists recently that it was “OK with me” that Republicans were working on legislation to impose restrictions on countries engaging commercially with Russia over its failure to negotiate a peace deal with the Ukrainian government.

Polish Prime Minister Describes Railway Blast an “Never-Before-Seen Act of Disruption”

The Polish leader, Donald Tusk, has described an blast along a section of railway line used for deliveries to the country as an “unprecedented act of sabotage” that could have resulted in disaster. These remarks coincided with a announcement from public prosecutors indicating that an investigation had been initiated “regarding acts of sabotage of a terrorist kind […] carried out on behalf of a external intelligence agency against the nation of Poland.”

Chinese Leader Expresses Willingness to Deepen Partnership with Russian Federation

China is prepared to deepen cooperation with Russia in the energy sector, farming and additional investments, Premier Li Qiang stated during a discussion with Russian prime minister Mikhail Mishustin in the Russian capital. The Chinese premier informed Mishustin that China is open to more farm and food products from Russia, according to a state-run media outlet. China also desires that Moscow will make it easier for companies from China to put money and do business in Russia, the source mentioned. Mishustin assured his counterpart that the cooperation between the two sides has consistently demonstrated its resilience to outside challenges.