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Through a major step to strengthen its long-term security, Ukraine has signed a letter of intent to acquire up to 100 Rafale fighter jets, drones, air defence systems and additional key equipment from the French Republic. The agreement was signed by Ukrainian president Zelenskyy and France's leader Macron during a joint press briefing at the Elysée residence. The Ukrainian leader referred to the arrangement as “a historic agreement.”

Against Their Will Deported Children: Relatives Lose Communication

A number of families of Ukrainian children who were taken against their will to the Russian Federation have sounded the alarm about their well-being, reporting that all contact has been severed. During a rare news conference in the French capital, a legal guardian, who cares for two minors taken after Moscow's widespread military action of the country in 2022, said that officials in Russia are disregarding every appeal to help with the minors' return.

Drone Strike Targets Turkey-Registered Tanker in Southern Ukraine

A drone hit a Turkish-flagged ship and caused a fire in the southern part of Ukraine's Odesa area, authorities said. This event took place just a day after Zelenskyy signed a deal to import American LNG through the area. The vessel was hit while offloading LPG at Izmail port, according to Turkey's Directorate for Maritime Affairs. Every one of the 16 crew on board evacuated and not a single person was injured.

Romanian Authorities Evacuate Villages Following Aerial Incident

Romanian authorities announced they had evacuated two villages near the Ukraine border after the drone attack on the MT Orinda. After entering the country in 2022, Moscow has repeatedly attacked Ukraine's ports in the Danube River region, triggering alerts in neighbouring the country.

United States President Trump Willing to Sign Russian Sanctions Bill

US president Trump is willing to sign a bill to enact sanctions on the Russian Federation, provided that he keeps final authority power over any such actions, an high-ranking U.S. administration representative stated. The U.S. president informed reporters recently that it was “acceptable to me” that Republicans were drafting a bill to impose sanctions on countries doing business with Moscow over its inability to negotiate a peace deal with Ukraine.

Polish Prime Minister Calls Railway Explosion an “Unprecedented Case of Sabotage”

The Polish prime minister, Tusk, has described an blast along a part of railway line used for shipments to Ukraine as an “unprecedented act of sabotage” that might have led to catastrophe. This statement coincided with a announcement from public prosecutors indicating that an inquiry had opened “concerning acts of sabotage of a terror-related nature […] carried out on orders of a foreign spy service against the nation of Poland.”

Chinese Premier Shows Willingness to Expand Partnership with Russian Federation

China is prepared to strengthen cooperation with Russia in energy, farming and additional financial ventures, Premier Li stated during a meeting with Russia's leader Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier informed his counterpart that the country is open to more agricultural and food-related goods from Russia, as per a state-run media outlet. China also desires that Russia will make it easier for Chinese enterprises to put money and do business there, the source cited. The Russian leader told his counterpart that the partnership between the both nations has consistently demonstrated its strength to external challenges.