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

Against Their Will Deported Children: Relatives Cut Off Contact

Several relatives of Ukrainian children who were forcibly deported to Russia have raised concerns about their well-being, stating that every line of communication has been cut off. During a rare press event in the French capital, a legal guardian, who is responsible for two children taken after Russia's widespread invasion of Ukraine in recent years, said that officials in Russia are ignoring every appeal to facilitate the minors' return.

Unmanned Aerial Attack Targets Turkish-Flagged Vessel in Southern Ukraine

An unmanned aerial vehicle hit a Turkey-registered tanker and set it ablaze in southern the Odesa region, officials said. This event occurred just a day after Zelenskyy signed a agreement to import American liquefied natural gas via the area. The vessel was struck while unloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail port, according to Turkish Directorate for Maritime Affairs. All 16 crew members on board were safely removed and no one was hurt.

Romania's Authorities Evacuate Villages Following Drone Attack

Romania's officials said they had evacuated two villages near the Ukrainian frontier following the drone attack on the MT Orinda. Since entering the country in 2022, Russian forces has repeatedly targeted Ukrainian ports in the Danube River area, causing alerts in neighbouring Romania.

US Leader Donald Trump Willing to Sign Russia Sanctions Legislation

The American leader Trump is willing to sign a bill to enact penalties on Russia, as long as he keeps ultimate authority authority over any such measures, an high-ranking White House official stated. Trump informed journalists recently that it was “OK with me” that GOP members were working on legislation to apply restrictions on nations doing business with Moscow over its inability to reach a peace deal with the Ukrainian government.

Polish Leader Describes Rail Explosion an “Never-Before-Seen Case of Sabotage”

The Polish leader, Tusk, has described an explosion along a part of railway line used for deliveries to Ukraine as an “unprecedented instance of sabotage” that could have led to disaster. These remarks coincided with a statement from public prosecutors indicating that an investigation had opened “regarding acts of disruption of a terrorist nature […] carried out on behalf of a foreign intelligence agency against the Republic of Poland.”

Chinese Leader Expresses Willingness to Expand Cooperation with Russian Federation

The Chinese government is ready to strengthen cooperation with the Russian Federation in energy, agriculture and additional investments, Premier Li stated during a meeting with Russian prime minister Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier informed Mishustin that China welcomes more farm and food-related goods from Russia, according to the official media outlet. China also desires that Russia will facilitate for Chinese enterprises to put money and operate there, the report cited. The Russian leader assured Li that the cooperation between the both nations has repeatedly demonstrated its resilience to external pressures.