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In a significant move to bolster its long-term security, Ukraine has finalized a preliminary agreement to purchase up to 100 Rafale fighter warplanes, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and additional key gear from France. The agreement was signed by Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French president Macron during a joint press briefing at the Elysée presidential palace. Zelenskyy described the pact as “a historic agreement.”

Against Their Will Taken Minors: Relatives Cut Off Contact

A number of families of Ukrainian children who were forcibly deported to the Russian Federation have sounded the alarm about their well-being, stating that every line of communication has been cut off. During a uncommon press event in the French capital, Darina Repina, who cares for two children taken after Moscow's full-scale military action of Ukraine in 2022, said that officials in Russia are disregarding all requests to help with the children's repatriation.

Drone Strike Targets Turkish-Flagged Tanker in Southern Ukraine

A drone hit a Turkish-flagged ship and set it ablaze in the southern part of Ukraine's Odesa region, authorities reported. This event occurred just a day after Zelenskyy signed a deal to import American liquefied natural gas via the area. The MT Orinda was hit while unloading LPG at Izmail harbor, according to Turkish maritime authority. All 16 crew members on board evacuated and no one was hurt.

Romanian Authorities Evacuate Villages After Aerial Attack

Romanian officials said they had relocated two communities close to the Ukrainian frontier after the aerial strike on the MT Orinda. After entering the country in recent years, Russian forces has repeatedly attacked Ukraine's harbors in the Danube River region, triggering alerts in neighbouring the country.

United States Leader Trump Open to Sign Russian Sanctions Legislation

US president Trump is willing to approve legislation to enact penalties on Russia, as long as he retains final decision-making authority over any such measures, a senior U.S. administration official stated. Trump informed journalists recently that it was “OK with me” that Republicans were working on a bill to impose sanctions on countries doing business with Moscow over its failure to reach a peace deal with the Ukrainian government.

Polish Prime Minister Calls Rail Blast an “Never-Before-Seen Case of Sabotage”

The Polish prime minister, Donald Tusk, has described an explosion along a section of railway line used for shipments to the country as an “unprecedented act of sabotage” that could have resulted in catastrophe. These remarks coincided with a announcement from legal authorities indicating that an inquiry had been initiated “regarding actions of disruption of a terror-related nature […] committed on behalf of a external spy service against the Republic of Poland.”

China Premier Shows Willingness to Expand Partnership with Russian Federation

China is ready to strengthen collaboration with the Russian Federation in energy, agriculture and additional financial ventures, Premier Li said during a discussion with Russian prime minister Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow. Li informed Mishustin that the country is open to more agricultural and food products from Russia, as per a state-run news agency. China also hopes that Russia will make it easier for Chinese enterprises to put money and operate there, the report cited. Mishustin assured his counterpart that the partnership between the both nations has consistently proven its resilience to outside pressures.