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Through a major step to strengthen its future defense, the Ukrainian government has signed a letter of intent to acquire as many as 100 Rafale fighter jets, drones, air defence systems and other essential equipment from France. The agreement was signed by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French president Macron during a joint news conference at the Elysée residence. The Ukrainian leader referred to the pact as “a historic deal.”

Forcibly Taken Minors: Families Cut Off Communication

A number of relatives of Ukrainian children who were forcibly deported to Russia have sounded the alarm about their fate, reporting that all contact has been cut off. During a uncommon press event in the French capital, a legal guardian, who is responsible for two children taken after Russia's widespread invasion of the country in recent years, said that officials in Russia are disregarding all requests to facilitate the minors' return.

Unmanned Aerial Strike Targets Turkey-Registered Vessel in Southern Ukraine

An unmanned aerial vehicle hit a Turkish-flagged tanker and set it ablaze in southern Ukraine's Odesa area, authorities said. The incident took place just a day after Zelenskyy approved a agreement to bring in American liquefied natural gas through the region. The vessel was hit while offloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail port, as stated by Turkish maritime authority. Every one of the 16 crew on board evacuated and not a single person was injured.

Romania's Authorities Evacuate Villages After Drone Incident

Romania's officials announced they had relocated two communities close to the Ukraine frontier following the drone attack on the tanker. Since entering Ukraine in recent years, Russian forces has repeatedly attacked Ukrainian ports in the Danube River area, triggering warnings in neighbouring Romania.

US Leader Trump Willing to Sign Russian Sanctions Legislation

US president Donald Trump is prepared to sign legislation to enact sanctions on Russia, as long as he keeps ultimate authority authority over any such measures, a senior U.S. administration representative said. Trump informed reporters recently that it was “OK with me” that Republicans were working on a bill to apply sanctions on nations doing business with Russia over its inability to reach a ceasefire agreement with the Ukrainian government.

Polish Prime Minister Describes Railway Explosion an “Unprecedented Case of Disruption”

Poland's leader, Donald Tusk, has described an blast along a part of rail track employed in deliveries to the country as an “unprecedented act of sabotage” that could have resulted in catastrophe. This statement came as a announcement from public prosecutors indicating that an investigation had been initiated “regarding actions of disruption of a terror-related kind […] committed on orders of a external intelligence agency against the Republic of the country.”

China Premier Shows Readiness to Expand Partnership with Russian Federation

The Chinese government is ready to strengthen cooperation with Russia in energy, farming and additional investments, Leader Li stated during a discussion with Russian prime minister Mishustin in Moscow. Li informed his counterpart that China welcomes more agricultural and food-related products from the nation, as per a state-run news agency. The Chinese side also desires that Russia will facilitate for Chinese enterprises to invest and do business there, the report cited. The Russian leader assured Li that the partnership between the two sides has consistently demonstrated its strength to external challenges.