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Through a major step to bolster its future defense, Ukraine has signed a letter of intent to acquire as many as 100 Rafale fighter warplanes, drones, air defence systems and additional essential gear from France. This deal was signed by Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French president Emmanuel Macron during a joint press briefing at the Elysée palace. Zelenskyy referred to the arrangement as “a historic agreement.”

Against Their Will Taken Children: Families Cut Off Contact

A number of families of Ukraine's children who were taken against their will to Russia have sounded the alarm about their fate, stating that all contact has been cut off. At a rare press event in Paris, Darina Repina, who is responsible for two minors taken after Russia's widespread military action of the country in recent years, said that officials in Russia are ignoring all requests to help with the minors' return.

Drone Strike Hits Turkey-Registered Vessel in Southern Ukraine

A drone struck a Turkish-flagged ship and caused a fire in the southern part of Ukraine's Odesa area, officials said. The incident occurred just a day after the Ukrainian president signed a agreement to import US liquefied natural gas through the area. The MT Orinda was struck while offloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail harbor, as stated by Turkey's maritime authority. Every one of the 16 crew on board were safely removed and not a single person was injured.

Romania's Authorities Evacuate Communities After Drone Incident

Romanian authorities said they had evacuated two villages close to the Ukrainian frontier after the drone attack on the tanker. After invading the country in 2022, Russian forces has consistently attacked Ukrainian harbors in the Danube River area, causing alerts in neighbouring the country.

US President Donald Trump Willing to Approve Russia Penalties Bill

US president Trump is prepared to sign legislation to impose sanctions on the Russian Federation, provided that he keeps final authority authority over any such actions, an high-ranking White House official said. The U.S. president informed journalists recently that it was “acceptable to me” that GOP members were working on legislation to impose sanctions on nations doing business with Moscow over its inability to negotiate a peace deal with Ukraine.

Polish Leader Describes Rail Explosion an “Never-Before-Seen Act of Disruption”

The Polish prime minister, Donald Tusk, has labeled an explosion along a part of rail track used for deliveries to Ukraine as an “unprecedented act of sabotage” that might have resulted in catastrophe. These remarks came as a statement from legal authorities saying that an inquiry had been initiated “concerning acts of disruption of a terror-related nature […] carried out on orders of a foreign intelligence agency against the nation of Poland.”

China Premier Shows Willingness to Expand Partnership with Russia

The Chinese government is prepared to deepen collaboration with Russia in the energy sector, agriculture and additional investments, Premier Li Qiang stated during a meeting with Russia's leader Mishustin in the Russian capital. Li informed Mishustin that the country is open to more agricultural and food-related products from the nation, as per the official media outlet. The Chinese side also hopes that Russia will facilitate for Chinese enterprises to put money and do business in Russia, the report cited. The Russian leader told his counterpart that the partnership between the two sides has repeatedly demonstrated its resilience to outside pressures.