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In a significant move to bolster its long-term security, Ukraine has signed a preliminary agreement to acquire as many as 100 Rafale fighter warplanes, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and additional key equipment from France. The agreement was formalized by Ukrainian president Zelenskyy and French president Emmanuel Macron during a joint news conference at the Elysée residence. The Ukrainian leader referred to the arrangement as “an unprecedented deal.”

Forcibly Deported Children: Relatives Cut Off Communication

A number of relatives of Ukrainian minors who were taken against their will to the Russian Federation have raised concerns about their fate, stating that every line of communication has been severed. During a rare news conference in Paris, a legal guardian, who cares for two children removed after Moscow's full-scale military action of the country in recent years, said that Russian authorities are disregarding all requests to facilitate the minors' repatriation.

Unmanned Aerial Strike Hits Turkey-Registered Tanker in Odesa

A drone struck a Turkish-flagged ship and caused a fire in the southern part of Ukraine's Odesa region, officials said. The incident occurred just one day after Zelenskyy signed a deal to import US liquefied natural gas via the area. The vessel was hit while unloading LPG at Izmail harbor, according to Turkish Directorate for Maritime Affairs. Every one of the 16 crew members aboard evacuated and not a single person was injured.

Romanian Officials Relocate Villages Following Drone Incident

Romania's officials said they had relocated two communities close to the Ukrainian frontier following the aerial strike on the MT Orinda. Since invading the country in 2022, Moscow has consistently targeted Ukraine's ports in the Danube region, triggering warnings in neighbouring Romania.

US Leader Trump Willing to Approve Russia Sanctions Bill

The American leader Trump is prepared to approve a bill to impose penalties on the Russian Federation, as long as he keeps ultimate authority power over these actions, an high-ranking U.S. administration official stated. Trump told journalists recently that it was “OK with me” that Republicans were drafting a bill to apply sanctions on nations doing business with Russia over its inability to reach a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine.

Poland's Leader Calls Rail Explosion an “Unprecedented Act of Disruption”

The Polish leader, Tusk, has described an explosion along a part of railway line used for shipments to the country as an “unprecedented instance of disruption” that could have led to disaster. These remarks came as a announcement from public prosecutors indicating that an investigation had opened “concerning actions of sabotage of a terror-related kind […] committed on behalf of a foreign intelligence agency against the nation of Poland.”

China Leader Expresses Willingness to Expand Partnership with Russian Federation

The Chinese government is prepared to strengthen collaboration with the Russian Federation in energy, agriculture and other financial ventures, Leader Li said during a meeting with Russian prime minister Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier informed Mishustin that China is open to more agricultural and food-related products from Russia, according to a state-run news agency. The Chinese side also hopes that Russia will facilitate for companies from China to put money and operate in Russia, the source cited. The Russian leader told Li that the cooperation between the both nations has repeatedly demonstrated its strength to outside challenges.