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In a significant step to bolster its long-term security, the Ukrainian government has signed a preliminary agreement to acquire up to 100 Rafale fighter jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and additional essential gear from the French Republic. This deal was signed by Ukrainian president Zelenskyy and France's leader Emmanuel Macron during a shared press briefing at the Elysée presidential residence. Zelenskyy described the arrangement as “an unprecedented deal.”

Against Their Will Deported Children: Families Lose Contact

Several relatives of Ukraine's minors who were forcibly deported to the Russian Federation have raised concerns about their fate, reporting that all contact has been severed. During a uncommon news conference in the French capital, a legal guardian, who cares for two children taken after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in recent years, stated that Russian authorities are ignoring all requests to facilitate the minors' return.

Drone Strike Hits Turkey-Registered Tanker in Odesa

A drone hit a Turkish-flagged tanker and caused a fire in southern the Odesa region, officials reported. The incident took place just a day after Zelenskyy approved a deal to import US LNG through the region. The MT Orinda was hit while unloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail harbor, according to Turkish Directorate for Maritime Affairs. All 16 crew aboard evacuated and not a single person was hurt.

Romanian Officials Relocate Villages Following Drone Incident

Romania's authorities said they had evacuated two communities close to the Ukraine frontier after the aerial strike on the tanker. After entering the country in recent years, Russian forces has consistently targeted Ukrainian ports in the Danube River region, triggering warnings in adjacent Romania.

US Leader Trump Willing to Sign Russian Sanctions Bill

The American leader Donald Trump is willing to approve a bill to enact penalties on the Russian Federation, provided that he keeps final decision-making authority over these actions, a senior U.S. administration representative stated. Trump told journalists recently that it was “acceptable to me” that GOP members were working on legislation to impose restrictions on nations engaging commercially with Moscow over its failure to reach a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine.

Poland's Leader Describes Railway Blast an “Never-Before-Seen Act of Disruption”

Poland's leader, Donald Tusk, has labeled an blast along a part of rail track used for deliveries to Ukraine as an “unprecedented act of disruption” that might have led to catastrophe. These remarks coincided with a statement from public prosecutors indicating that an investigation had opened “regarding actions of disruption of a terror-related nature […] carried out on behalf of a external intelligence service against the nation of Poland.”

Chinese Premier Expresses Readiness to Expand Cooperation with Russian Federation

China is ready to deepen collaboration with the Russian Federation in energy, agriculture and other financial ventures, Leader Li said during a meeting with Russia's leader Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier informed Mishustin that the country is open to more farm and food-related products from Russia, as per the official news agency. The Chinese side also desires that Russia will facilitate for Chinese enterprises 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 pressures.