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In a significant step to strengthen its future defense, Ukraine has finalized a preliminary agreement to purchase up to 100 Rafale jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and additional essential gear from France. The agreement was formalized by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French president Macron during a joint press briefing at the Elysée palace. The Ukrainian leader referred to the pact as “an unprecedented deal.”

Against Their Will Deported Minors: Relatives Lose 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. During a rare press event in the French capital, a legal guardian, who cares for two minors taken after Moscow's widespread military action of Ukraine in 2022, stated that Russian authorities are ignoring all requests to help with the children's repatriation.

Unmanned Aerial Attack Targets Turkey-Registered Vessel in Odesa

An unmanned aerial vehicle struck a Turkey-registered tanker and set it ablaze in the southern part of the Odesa region, authorities said. The incident occurred just a day after Zelenskyy signed a agreement to bring in US LNG through the region. The vessel was struck while unloading LPG at Izmail port, according to Turkey's Directorate for Maritime Affairs. All 16 crew members on board evacuated and no one was injured.

Romania's Officials Evacuate Villages Following Drone Attack

Romanian authorities said they had relocated two villages close to the Ukraine frontier following the aerial strike on the tanker. Since entering Ukraine in 2022, Russian forces has consistently attacked Ukraine's harbors in the Danube River region, triggering warnings in neighbouring Romania.

United States President Donald Trump Open to Sign Russian Penalties Bill

US president Donald Trump is prepared to approve legislation to enact penalties on Russia, as long as he keeps ultimate decision-making authority over any such actions, an high-ranking White House official stated. Trump informed reporters recently that it was “OK with me” that GOP members were working on a bill to impose restrictions on countries doing business with Moscow over its inability to reach a peace deal with the Ukrainian government.

Polish Leader Calls Railway Explosion an “Never-Before-Seen Act of Disruption”

Poland's prime minister, Donald Tusk, has described an explosion along a part of rail track employed in deliveries to Ukraine as an “unprecedented act of sabotage” that might have resulted in disaster. This statement came as a statement from legal authorities saying that an investigation had been initiated “regarding acts of disruption of a terrorist nature […] committed on behalf of a external spy service against the nation of the country.”

China Premier Expresses Willingness to Expand Partnership with Russian Federation

The Chinese government is ready to deepen collaboration with the Russian Federation in the energy sector, farming and additional investments, Leader Li said during a meeting with Russia's leader Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow. Li told Mishustin that China is open to more farm and food-related goods from the nation, as per a state-run media outlet. China also desires that Moscow will make it easier for Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Russia, the report cited. The Russian leader assured Li that the partnership between the both nations has consistently demonstrated its resilience to outside challenges.