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Through a major step to bolster its long-term defense, the Ukrainian government has finalized a preliminary agreement to acquire up to 100 Rafale fighter jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and other essential gear from France. This deal was signed by Ukraine's leader Zelenskyy and French president Macron during a joint press briefing at the Elysée palace. The Ukrainian leader described the pact as “an unprecedented agreement.”

Against Their Will Deported Children: Families Cut Off Communication

A number of relatives of Ukrainian children who were forcibly deported to the Russian Federation have sounded the alarm about their well-being, stating that all contact has been cut off. At a rare press event in the French capital, a legal guardian, who is responsible for two minors taken after Russia's full-scale military action of the country in recent years, stated that officials in Russia are disregarding every appeal to help with the minors' repatriation.

Drone Strike Hits Turkey-Registered Tanker in Southern Ukraine

A drone hit a Turkey-registered ship and caused a fire in southern Ukraine's Odesa area, authorities said. The incident took place just a day after Zelenskyy signed a deal to import American liquefied natural gas through the region. The vessel was hit while offloading LPG at Izmail port, according to Turkish Directorate for Maritime Affairs. All 16 crew on board evacuated and not a single person was injured.

Romania's Officials Evacuate Communities After Aerial Incident

Romania's authorities announced they had relocated two communities near the Ukrainian border after the drone attack on the MT Orinda. Since entering the country in 2022, Russian forces has repeatedly targeted Ukraine's ports in the Danube area, triggering warnings in neighbouring the country.

United States President Trump Open to Sign Russian Penalties Bill

US president Trump is prepared to sign legislation to enact sanctions on the Russian Federation, as long as he retains final authority authority over these actions, a senior White House representative said. The U.S. president informed journalists recently that it was “OK with me” that Republicans were working on legislation to apply restrictions on nations doing business with Moscow over its failure to negotiate a ceasefire agreement with the Ukrainian government.

Polish Leader Describes Rail Blast an “Unprecedented Act of Sabotage”

The Polish prime minister, Donald Tusk, has labeled an explosion along a section of rail track used for shipments to Ukraine as an “unprecedented instance of disruption” that might have resulted in disaster. This statement coincided with a statement from legal authorities saying that an investigation had opened “regarding actions of sabotage of a terror-related nature […] committed on orders of a external intelligence service against the nation of the country.”

China Premier Shows Willingness to Deepen Cooperation with Russia

China is ready to strengthen cooperation with Russia in the energy sector, farming and additional investments, Leader Li stated during a meeting with Russian prime minister Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier informed his counterpart that the country welcomes more agricultural and food-related goods from Russia, as per a state-run media outlet. China also hopes that Moscow will facilitate for Chinese enterprises to put money and operate there, the source cited. Mishustin told Li that the partnership between the two sides has repeatedly proven its resilience to external challenges.